Governance

Definition

Governance refers to the structures, processes, and systems through which authority and power are exercised in a society. It encompasses the methods by which institutions operate, laws are created and enforced, and the relationship between the state and its citizens is managed. In various historical contexts, governance has evolved to reflect shifts in political thought, economic practices, and social structures, influencing how power is distributed and exercised.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Governance during the Enlightenment emphasized rational thought and individual rights, leading to new ideas about democracy and representative government.
2. The English Civil War resulted in a struggle over governance, particularly regarding the limits of royal authority versus parliamentary power.
3. Mercantilism influenced governance by prioritizing state control over economic activity to enhance national power and wealth.
4. The contrast between absolutism and constitutionalism during the Age of Absolutism shaped different approaches to governance across Europe.
5. Enlightened despots sought to implement governance that combined absolute power with Enlightenment principles, aiming to modernize their states while maintaining control.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers influence new models of governance in Europe?
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Montesquieu introduced concepts such as natural rights, the separation of powers, and the social contract, fundamentally challenging traditional views on governance. Their ideas laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems by advocating for individual liberties and limiting governmental authority. This intellectual movement encouraged citizens to question absolute rule and demand representation, ultimately leading to revolutions and the establishment of constitutional governments.
• In what ways did the English Civil War redefine governance in England?
  • The English Civil War marked a pivotal moment in redefining governance as it highlighted the conflict between the monarchy's absolute power and the emerging authority of Parliament. The war resulted in the temporary overthrow of King Charles I, leading to a republic under Oliver Cromwell. This shift challenged notions of divine right monarchy, paving the way for later constitutional developments that established parliamentary sovereignty over royal prerogative.
• Assess how mercantilism shaped governance strategies in European states during the early modern period.
  • Mercantilism shaped governance strategies by promoting state intervention in economic activities to maximize national wealth through trade surpluses. Governments implemented policies such as tariffs, trade monopolies, and colonial expansion to control resources and markets. This economic framework necessitated strong centralized governance to enforce regulations and protect national interests, leading to greater state involvement in both domestic economies and foreign affairs. The focus on wealth accumulation through controlled trade significantly influenced political relationships within Europe as well as colonial policies.

Related terms

Social Contract:

A theory that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a government and abide by its rules in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of social order.

Constitutionalism:

The principle that government authority is derived from and limited by a constitution, establishing a framework for governance that protects individual liberties and promotes rule of law.

Absolutism:

A political system in which a single ruler or authority holds absolute power over the state, often justified by divine right or hereditary rule.