States and Government
What is the primary function of a state?
Maintain law and order and help society grow.
What revolution helped lead to the development of hierarchical states?
The Neolithic Revolution
What empire's collapse contributed to the rise of European feudalism?
The Roman Empire
What institution played a major role in medieval European politics, morality, and law?
The Catholic Church
What famous English document placed limits on the monarchy?
Magna Carta
What type of government is ruled by one person, such as a king or queen?
Monarchy
What major development occurred during the Neolithic Revolution?
Agriculture/farming
Why did feudalism develop after Roman central authority collapsed?
People were vulnerable to invasion and needed protection
What movement weakened the Catholic Church's influence over European governance?
The Protestant Reformation
In what year was the English Bill of Rights established?
1689
In what type of government does a small, privileged group hold power?
Oligarchy
According to critics of state systems, what were pre-state societies supposedly like?
Peaceful, egalitarian, and living in harmony with nature
What was the primary role of a knight?
To serve militarily and protect nobles/kings
What did the "Divine Right of Kings" claim?
Monarchs received their authority to rule directly from God
What did the English Bill of Rights do?
Limited the monarchy's power and protected citizens' rights
What is one major difference between an oligarchy and a democracy?
An oligarchy is ruled by a select few; a democracy is governed by the people.
What evidence challenges the idea that pre-state societies were more peaceful?
Archaeological evidence indicates violent deaths were more common in non-state societies
What did serfs provide in exchange for protection?
They farmed/worked the land
After 1450, how did absolute monarchs strengthen their power?
By centralizing military and government positions under royal authority
What happened to Parliament's power as a result of the Glorious Revolution?
Parliamentary authority over the monarchy was strengthened
Give one fundamental characteristic of a state.
A centralized institution/government capable of mobilizing resources and maintaining order.
Name TWO benefits associated with the development of early states.
Reduced violence and enabled large-scale cooperation
Explain the basic exchange at the heart of the feudal system.
Land/labor/military service were exchanged for protection and security
A king says, "No earthly institution has the authority to challenge my rule because my authority comes from God." What political idea is he using?
Divine Right of Kings
Explain how England's government developed differently from absolute monarchies such as France and Spain.
England increasingly limited royal authority through institutions and documents such as the Magna Carta, Parliament, and the English Bill of Rights