1. How does this portrait exemplify the characteristics of Absolutism?

2. Absolutism at Work?
In 1689, King William and Queen Mary became the monarchs of England. Before they were crowned, they accepted the English Bill of Rights which required the monarchy to work with Parliament to govern the country. The monarchs were required to regularly call on Parliament to meet and they lost their power to suspend or revoke laws. The responsibility of coordinating England’s finances and the power to tax were given to the lower house of Parliament, known as the House of Commons. Would you classify King William and Queen Mary as Absolute Monarchs? Why or why not?

3. Absolutism at Work?
Saudi Arabia houses one of the last remaining monarchies in the word today. Monarchs are chosen by members of the royal family and are approved by Muslim legal scholars in accordance with Islamic law. State issues are decided by the King, in conjunction with the Council of Ministers and the Consultative Council. With no elections or political parties, it is up to the King to appoint and dismiss members of both councils. At any time the King can choose to dissolve both government bodies. The Council of Ministers is responsible for internal, external, financial, economic, educational, and defense policies, but the King maintains final authority over all State affairs. Would you classify the Monarchy of Saudi Arabia as an Absolute Monarchy? Why or why not?

4. Absolutism at Work?
According to the Mandate of Heaven, the right to rule in Ancient China was granted by the gods. The Chinese believed that since there was only one Heaven, there could only be one ruler. Chinese Emperors that were part of the Han Dynasty referred to themselves as “Sons of Heaven,” and commanded respect from all of their subjects. Chinese law dictated that the Emperor’s position could not be challenged by anyone. Emperors handpicked governors and officials in order to both centralize their authority and spread their power. Each Emperor served as Head of State and Commander of the Army. They chose whether or not to listen to their advisors, and had no legislative body to monitor their power or prevent abuse.
Would you classify the rule in Ancient China as an Absolute Monarchy? Why or why not?

5. Divine Right and the Absolute Monarch

6. Hold all power within a nation’s boundaries
Absolute Monarchs OR
Hold all power within a nation’s boundaries

7. Divine Right Theory that supports concept of Absolute Rule
Theory states that God created the Monarchy; therefore, the Monarch was chosen by God to lead his people
As a result, Monarchs are required to answer only to God, not their people
Citizens do not question the decisions made by the Monarch because this would be like questioning the decisions of their God

8. How Do Monarchs Become Absolute?
Decline of Feudalism leads to the growth of cities; increasing the need for strong leadership
The authority of the Church, then, is replaced by the authority of a centralized government

9. Changes in the Era of Absolutism
Absolute Monarchs work to increase their power AND the power of their nation
Absolute Rulers create large armies to:
1. Defend the nation
2. Expand the nation’s borders
Absolute Rulers regulate church services to ensure the support of Priests and their Parishioners
Absolute Rulers carefully establish relationships with the nobility to secure their power and authority

10. Review the concept of Absolutism and the examples of Absolute Rule we discussed in class. Now, do you have any additional questions? If so, write them down and schedule a time to meet and discuss them.