Concept Formation LT: I can critically think about a key social studies concept – Absolutism - and create my own definition for it by identifying critical attributes of the concept.

Activity 1: Analyzing Examples Read each Example of the Concept (4). As you do, make notes on your data collection chart. Make sure you answer each of the 4 questions for each example. You have 15-20 minutes to complete this step individually. Now we will compare and share charts as partners.

Activity 2: Concept Formation Notes Work with a partner at your table to identify at least 4 differences between each example. Now work together to identify at least 4 similarities between each example. When you have found 4 similarities and 4 differences, come to the front and add them to the class list on the board.

Activity 2: Concept Formation Notes Working with the same partner, look back at the list of similarities. Come to an agreement about three critical attributes of this concept. Critical attributes are the three most important qualities of something. Every example has to have these three qualities. Share with the class and come to a class consensus. 1. Divine Right to Rule, 2. Political Sovereignty: centralized control of all aspects of govt including economy, war, domestic and foreign affairs. 3. A lack of checks and balances on political power

3 Critical Attributes of absolutism Divine Right to rule Political sovereignty (absolute authority and control of all aspects of government including economy, war, domestic, & foreign affairs.) A lack of checks & balances on political power of the ruler Definition Starter: The principle or the exercise of complete and unrestricted power in government.

Defining the concept: Absolutism What would you call this historical concept? ABSOLUTISM

Activity 3: Is this absolutism? Individually read the list of examples (Activity 3 sheet). Determine whether each new example is Absolutism or not based off of our class definition and the three critical attributes. Write “yes” or “no” next to each. If you wrote “no”, explain why it is not an example of Absolutism.

Activity 4: A modern day Example Read the short article about Mswati III What makes Mswati III an absolute monarch? Think of the 3 key attributes. Do you think absolute leaders would have a mostly positive or mostly negative impact on countries? Why? Is Absolutism good for Swaziland? Why? Why not?