Parliaments

Definition

Parliaments are legislative bodies in which representatives come together to discuss, debate, and make laws. In the context of the Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism, parliaments played crucial roles in shaping governance by either supporting or challenging royal authority, reflecting the struggle between absolute monarchy and the emerging idea of representative government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Parliaments emerged as key institutions in Europe, particularly in England and France, where they began as advisory councils to kings but evolved into powerful legislative bodies.
2. The English Parliament, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, became a crucial player in limiting the power of the monarchy, especially during events like the English Civil War.
3. In France, the Estates-General was called infrequently and had limited power compared to the English Parliament, reflecting the absolute nature of French monarchy until the French Revolution.
4. The concept of parliamentary sovereignty emerged, particularly in England, meaning that parliament is the supreme legal authority and can create or end any law without interference from other institutions.
5. Throughout the Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism, parliaments were at the center of conflicts between monarchs who sought to maintain absolute power and those advocating for greater representation and rights.

Review Questions

• How did parliaments influence the balance of power between monarchy and representative governance during the Age of Absolutism?
  • Parliaments significantly influenced the balance of power by acting as a check on monarchs who sought to rule absolutely. In England, for example, Parliament's ability to control taxation and legislation allowed it to challenge royal authority effectively. This struggle between Parliament and monarchy culminated in events such as the English Civil War, which showcased how parliaments could assert their influence against absolute rule.
• Compare the role of parliaments in England and France during the Age of Absolutism. What were some key differences?
  • In England, Parliament evolved into a powerful institution that could challenge royal authority, especially during events like the Glorious Revolution. The English Parliament had two houses—the Commons and the Lords—providing a structured means for representation. In contrast, France's Estates-General was rarely convened and lacked real power, highlighting King Louis XIV's absolute rule. These differences underscored how parliamentary systems could either promote or stifle political representation.
• Evaluate the impact of parliamentary systems on modern governance stemming from developments during the Age of Absolutism and Constitutionalism.
  • The impact of parliamentary systems on modern governance is profound, as they laid the foundations for contemporary democratic practices. The struggles between monarchs and parliaments during this period led to ideas such as separation of powers, checks and balances, and representative democracy. These concepts have become integral to modern political systems worldwide, demonstrating how historical conflicts over governance continue to shape contemporary political landscapes.

Related terms

Absolute Monarchy:

A form of government where a single ruler has complete authority over the state, often justified by divine right.

Constitutional Monarchy:

A system of governance in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, often involving a parliament.

Magna Carta:

A charter signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the English king and laid the groundwork for the development of parliamentary democracy.