Absolutism and Democracy DBQ

Name __________Alexander Abensour___________________ Period ________ Due Date:

_________________________

The following documents relate to different types of governments.

Directions: Read each document carefully. Answer each question that follows the passage in
complete sentences. As you read the passage underline or highlight key words and phrases that
address the question.
Document 1
This is an excerpt from The Prince, written by Machiavelli (fifteenth century).
For all men in general this observation may be made: they are ungrateful, fickle, and deceitful, eager
to avoid dangers, and avid for gain, and while you are useful to them they are all with you, but when
it [danger] approaches they turn on you. Any prince, trusting only in their works and having no other
preparations made, will fall to ruin, for friendships that are bought at a price and not by greatness
and nobility of soul are paid for indeed, but they are not owned and cannot be called upon in time of
need. Men have less hesitation in offending a man who is loved than one who is feared, for love is
held by a bond of obligation which, as men are wicked, is broken whenever personal advantage
suggests it, but fear is accompanied by the dread of punishment, which never relaxes.

What type of ruler must the prince be?

The leader must be strict and feared, this because in general people are untrustworthy and
cowards. So The Prince must take command and rule the nation in a strict and unforgiving way.

Why is it necessary for him to rule in this manner?

Because the Prince should be feared not loved and should be able to give commands without
hesitation. This all so he can maintain order.

Document 2
These ideas were expressed by King James I of England in 1609.
The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth; for kings are not only God’s
lieutenants upon earth, and sit upon God’s throne, but even by God Himself they are called
gods . . . . Kings are justly called gods, for that they exercise a . . . divine power upon earth . . . .
God hath power to create or destroy, make or unmake at His pleasure, to give life or sent
death, to judge all and to be judged nor accountable to none, to raise low things and to make
high things low at His pleasure . . . And the like power have kings . . .

What type of government does King James describe?

King James describes an absolute monarchy. He believes that the right to rule should be a gift from
god.

Why should it be organized in this way?

He feels he is god's representative on earth. He also believes that there is no limitation to his
power, and that his rule is endless.
 Document 3
These ideas were expressed by King Louis XIV of France in 1660.
The head alone has the right to deliberate and decide, and the functions of all the other
members consist only in carrying out the commands given to them . . . . The more you grant . . .
[to the assembled people], the more it claims . . . The interest of the state must come first.

What type of government does King Louis describe?

He describes an Absolute Monarchy with one ruler.

Why does he recommend this type of government?

He recommends an Absolute monarchy because it is easier and simpler for 1 person to rule and
make decisions based on government. The king should have all the power for the purpose of
making the process of decision-making easier.

Document 4
The following is an excerpt from Voltaire’s writings.
. . . I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it . . . The
best government seems to be that in which all ranks of men are equally protected by the
laws . . .

What type of government does Voltaire recommend?

Democracy where everyone has power to vote and choose representatives.
What specific freedom does he feel is essential?
He talks about freedom of speech he feels it is absolutely necessary and essential./

Document 5
This excerpt is from John Locke’s Two Treatises on Government, written in 1690.
Men being . . . by nature all free, equal, and independent, no one can be . . . subjected to the
political power of another without his own consent . . . . To protect natural rights governments
are established . . . . Since men hope to preserve their property by establishing a government,
they will not want that government to destroy their objectives. When legislators try to destroy
or take away the property of the people, or try to reduce them to slavery, they put themselves
in to a state of war with the people who can then refuse to obey the laws.

Why is the government established?

Government is established to protect the basic rights of life (Life, Liberty, Land).

What type of government is described by Locke?

He describes a democracy.
(Over for one more question)

Under what circumstances can people revolt?

People can revolt when their basic rights are taken away or not being protected.

Document 6
The following is an excerpt from The Spirit of the Laws, written by Montesquieu in 1748.
Although the forms of state – monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy – were united in English
government, the powers of government were separated from one another. There can be no
liberty where the executive, legislative, and judicial powers are united in one person or body of
persons, because such concentration is bound to result in arbitrary despotism.

What type of government does Montesquieu describe?

He describes a democracy.
Why does he believe it should be organized in this way?
He believes it is crucial that power is divided so one branch or person can not have all the power,
he created checks and balances to solve this problem.

Prompt Questions: What are the most influential types of government that
emerge in Europe during the 18th century?

ORGANIZING THE EVIDENCE

Use this space to write your main points

Reason #1 ______Democracy________: List the 2 main evidence that support this

side.

1) From Document __6___: Montesquieu created a great part of our political system that is still in use
today. So I believe he is a great source. He believes power needs to be divided so one person cannot
have all the power. He states his ideas in this quote “There can be no liberty where the executive,
legislative, and judicial powers are united in one person or body of persons, because such
concentration is bound to result in arbitrary despotism.”(the ending of Montesquieu's statement in
document 6) He is saying that there is no freedom when one person has all the power or all of the
branches power, this will result in an “arbitrary despotism” or a tyrannical government.

2) From Document ___5__: John Locke has been a very influential and historical figure in history. His
policy is that we should all have basic rights to live, have freedom, and have property. A quote that show
this is “When legislators try to destroy or take away the property of the people, or try to reduce them
to slavery, they put themselves in to a state of war with the people who can then refuse to obey the
laws.” He is saying once these rights are violated it is no longer a proper government. He describes a
democracy because he believes that democracy is the only guarantee in protecting the rights of Life, Liberty,
Property.
Reason #2_______Absolute Monarchy_________: List the 2 main points/evidence
that support this side.

1) From Document __3___: King Louis XIV of France was an important figure in history and an interesting
King. He believed that it is simpler and easier for one person to make decisions and rule the country. He
states this in “The head alone has the right to deliberate and decide, and the functions of all the other
members consist only in carrying out the commands given to them . . . . “ He is saying that one person
should rule and the other’s who are part of the political party are only meant to carry out those orders. Decision
making is one of the key factors of being a ruler and being part of a political system. When there is a monarchy
the decision making is easier and quicker.

2) From Document __2___: King James I of England believes the right to rule was given to him and other
absolute monarchs by god. He believes that his power is endless and he is god's representative on earth.
“The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth; for kings are not only God’s lieutenants
upon earth, and sit upon God’s throne, but even by God Himself they are called gods . . . . Kings are
justly called gods, for that they exercise a . . . divine power upon earth . . . . ”. He is saying he was given
the right to rule by god and that Kings are a form of god. Absolute monarchy is so important to god. And
God chose you to give rule. The monarchy represents god’s rule and the King is god in a different form so
you should treat the King as a god

Instructions: Just like last time, choose ONE of your reasons to write a paragraph about. This time,
make sure to include a topic sentence, citations for BOTH pieces of evidence that you cite, and
EXPLAIN how the evidence that you cite relates to the prompt question. You can begin your writing
below:

Democracy is hands down the most influential and purposeful form of government. When you think
of democracy you think life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Although it can fail sometimes the
system is most likely the best. For example we will look at John Locke and his ideas. John Locke
believed that the purpose of government and democracy is to protect life, liberty and property. He
believes it is not a government system anymore if your rights are taken away or not protected. He
states this when he says “When legislators try to destroy or take away the property of the people, or
try to reduce them to slavery, they put themselves in to a state of war with the people who can then
refuse to obey the laws”. He is saying that when the rulers or legislators take away your rights they
put themselves into a position of war with the people. For the next thinker we will look at
Montesquieu, he was an incredible mind and thought out plans that we used today. His
accomplishments and ideology was the 3 branches of government Judicial, Legislative, Executive. He
says and believes that power should be divided and that if someone has all of the power the
government the people's freedom is taken away. He says “There can be no liberty where the
executive, legislative, and judicial powers are united in one person or body of persons, because such
concentration is bound to result in arbitrary despotism.” This means that one person can not have
the power because it is suicide for the nation. There is no freedom in the people when there is a
monarch. Democracy is the only way to go because it ensures everyone's freedom and basic rights
and also strives to protect them. That is why democracy is the most influential form of government.