Transcript
The Divine Right of Kings - the textbook discusses "The Divine Right of Kings," an way of thinking that came about long before James I wrote about it in 1598.
1. What was this idea, and what are some of the thoughts about where this notion came from, and in what country / countries did this apply? (50 words, min.)
2. Clearly, not everyone thought it was a great idea. There was a revolt – name and briefly describe this "bloodless" happening in England when the thinking behind the divine right of kings met with the new idea of a parliamentary government. (50 words, min.)
3. How did this event change English government? (50 words, min.)
4. What if someone running for political office – especially the presidency – ran on a basis of his or her “divine right” to hold that office? Can this sort of idea apply to the presidential office in the United States? Why / not? And regardless of that answer – what if it could? Would you support it or argue against it? How? (150 words, min.)
According to Britannica Encyclopedia, the doctrine of the divine rights of Kings was established to ensure the lineage of royalty be maintained. This doctrine provides a monarchical absolutism defense that kings derive their authority from God himself. This first came about during the beginning of the reign of King Louis XIV at age four after he assumed reign after the downfall of his father Louis the XIII In 1643 (Duignan). This means that the right to rule was bestowed upon these specific individuals by God himself and those before them were previous rulers chosen by God. The use of the Divine Right of Kings was particularly prominent in France, England, Austria, Spain, and Prussia
Works Cited
Duignan, Brian. “Divine Right of Kings.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 29 Oct. 2019, www.britannica.com/topic/divine-right-of-kings.
Duignan, Brian. “Absolutism.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 29 Oct. 2019, www.britannica.com/topic/absolutism-political-system.
