1.

Historical context in which western political thoughts emerged:

**Ancient Greece and Rome:** In the city-state of Athens, the birthplace of democracy,
citizens actively participated in decision-making processes. Similarly, the Roman Republic
introduced shared governance with elected representatives shaping political structures.

**Philosophical Foundations:** The foundations of Western political thought are deeply

rooted in the works of influential philosophers. Plato, in "The Republic," advocated for
philosopher-kings, while Aristotle's "Politics" explored various forms of government and the
concept of the "polis."

### 2. Nature/features of western political thoughts:

**Individual Rights:** John Locke's contributions are pivotal in shaping ideas of natural
rights, emphasizing life, liberty, and property. These principles found expression in the
Declaration of Independence, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of inherent rights.

**Democracy:** The ongoing debate between direct and representative democracy

continues to shape political systems globally. Democratic theory evolves, addressing
contemporary challenges and striving for inclusivity.

**Rule of Law:** From the Magna Carta to modern legal systems, the concept that laws are
supreme has been foundational in Western political thought, emphasizing limitations on
rulers and the importance of legal frameworks.

### 3. Relevance of western political thoughts to contemporary political issues:

**Democracy and Governance:** The influence of Western political models extends

globally, inspiring democratic movements. However, there is an ongoing debate about
balancing democratic ideals with the necessity for effective governance.
**Human Rights:** The Universal Declaration of Human Rights draws inspiration from
Western political philosophy. Nevertheless, debates persist around the universality of
human rights, with considerations for cultural relativism.

### 5. Establishment of church and growth of papacy:

**Early Christianity:** With the embrace of Christianity as a state religion during

Constantine's rule, the Council of Nicaea played a crucial role in defining key aspects of
Christian doctrine.

**Papal Authority:** The assertion of papal supremacy and the temporal power of the
papacy made it a significant political force in medieval Europe.

### 6. Conflict between church and state:

**Investiture Controversy:** The conflict between Henry IV and Gregory VII over the
appointment of bishops led to the Concordat of Worms, attempting to resolve the issue.
This historical struggle marked a pivotal point in the relationship between secular rulers
and the church.

**Secularization:** Influenced by Enlightenment ideals, there was a gradual shift towards

secular governance, resulting in the legal and political separation between church and
state in the modern era.

### 7. Renaissance period:

**Cultural Rebirth:** The Renaissance was characterized by a flourishing of artistic

expression and intellectual pursuits. The invention of the printing press facilitated the
spread of ideas and knowledge, contributing to this cultural renaissance.
**Humanism:** This intellectual movement celebrated human achievements, potential,
and secular knowledge, influencing not only the arts but also education with a more
comprehensive approach.

### 8. Conciliar movement:

**Efforts for Church Reform:** The Avignon Papacy and the subsequent Papal Schism
prompted calls for reform within the Catholic Church. The Council of Constance played a
crucial role in resolving the schism and addressing broader issues, leaving a lasting impact
on future Church councils and discussions on ecclesiastical authority.

**Councils:** The Council of Constance, in particular, stands out as a significant gathering

that addressed the challenges facing the Church, influencing subsequent councils and
discussions on the balance of power within the ecclesiastical

The Conciliar Movement, also known as the Conciliarism, was a reform movement within
the Catholic Church during the late medieval period. It emerged in the 14th and 15th
centuries, aiming to address issues such as the Great Schism and the authority of the
pope.

**Origin:**

The movement originated in response to the Western Schism, where multiple individuals
claimed to be the legitimate Pope, leading to confusion and division within the Church.

**Aims:**

1. **Address Schism:** Conciliarists sought to resolve the issue of multiple popes and
restore unity to the Church.

2. **Limit Papal Power:** They advocated for the authority of ecumenical councils over that
of the pope, emphasizing a collective decision-making process.
**Impacts:**

1. **Council of Constance (1414-1418):** This ecumenical council successfully ended the

Western Schism by deposing the competing popes and electing Pope Martin V.

2. **Temporary Success:** Conciliarism gained prominence during the Council of

Constance, but its influence waned in the years following. The papacy reasserted its
authority, and the movement did not bring about lasting reforms.