3.8 Comparison in the Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism

• What does Absolutism refer to in governance?

  Absolute power of monarch
• Constitutionalism is a system where the ruler's power is limited by a constitution
• In Absolutism, the ruler's authority is restricted by laws or institutions.

  False
• What is a key characteristic of Absolutism regarding ruler's authority?

  Divine right
• Match the example with the type of regime:

  Louis XIV of France ↔️ Absolutism

  English monarchy after Glorious Revolution ↔️ Constitutionalism
• Constitutionalism involves the centralization of power in the monarch.

  False
• What does centralized power mean in an Absolutist regime?

  Monarch controls government
• In Absolutism, monarchs believe they rule by God's will.
• Opposition and dissent are encouraged in Absolutist regimes.

  False
• Why are standing armies maintained in Absolutist regimes?

  Control and expansion
• A professional administration that manages state affairs in Absolutism is called a bureaucracy.
• Match the characteristic with its example in Absolutism:

  Centralized Power ↔️ Louis XIV controlled French administration

  Divine Right ↔️ Monarchs claimed God-given authority
• What is a key characteristic of absolutist regimes regarding power distribution?

  Centralized power
• Monarchs in absolutist regimes believe they rule by divine right
• Dissent and opposition are tolerated in absolutist regimes.

  False
• What is the purpose of standing armies in absolutist regimes?

  Control and expansion
• A bureaucracy in absolutist regimes is a professional administration that manages state affairs
• Who is an example of a ruler who centralized power in an absolutist regime?

  Louis XIV
• What is a key characteristic of constitutionalist regimes regarding monarchy?

  Limited monarchy
• In constitutionalist regimes, laws apply equally to all, including the ruler
• Order the key principles of constitutionalism:

  1️⃣ Separation of powers

  2️⃣ Rule of law

  3️⃣ Limited monarchy

  4️⃣ Protection of rights
• What does representative government ensure in constitutionalist regimes?

  People's interests
• Charles I of England's assertion of divine right led to conflicts with Parliament.
• What was the aim of Colbert's mercantilist policies in France under Louis XIV?

  Boost national treasury
• Loyal bureaucrats in absolutist regimes helped maintain control by ensuring efficient enforcement of laws
• In constitutionalism, the monarch is above the law.

  False
• What is the defining difference between the powers of a ruler in absolutism and constitutionalism?

  Absolute vs. restricted power
• In constitutionalism, fundamental rights are enshrined in a constitution
• Who enforces legal protections in constitutionalist regimes?

  Independent judiciary
• In constitutionalism, the power of the ruler is limited by a set of laws
• Charles I of England's belief in divine right justified his absolute power.
• What principle of constitutionalism is exemplified by the U.S. Constitution?

  Separation of powers
• Individual liberties are guaranteed in constitutionalist regimes.
• What is the main difference between Absolutism and Constitutionalism regarding the powers of the ruler?

  Absolute power vs. limitations
• Constitutionalism includes checks and balances through the separation of powers
• Under Absolutism, rights and liberties are limited or nonexistent.
• What legal document enshrines rights and liberties in Constitutionalism?

  Constitution
• In Absolutism, the monarch's decree is law without external checks
• Which body makes laws in Constitutionalism?

  Parliament or elected body
• Match the absolutist state with its ruler:

  France ↔️ Louis XIV

  Russia ↔️ Peter the Great

  Prussia ↔️ Frederick the Great