AP European History Flashcards: Comparison Age Of Absolutism And Constitutionalism

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This deck focuses on Comparison Age Of Absolutism And Constitutionalism, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP European History.

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Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is one key feature of a constitutional monarchy?

Answer: Monarch acts as head of state within legal limits. Ceremonial ruler bound by constitutional constraints.

Flashcard 2: What was the name of the assembly called by Charles I in 1640?

Answer: The Long Parliament. Sat continuously challenging Charles I's authority.

Flashcard 3: Name the English document that limited the power of the monarchy in 1689.

Answer: The Bill of Rights. Established constitutional monarchy after Glorious Revolution.

Flashcard 4: Which form of government did Thomas Hobbes support?

Answer: Absolute monarchy. Believed strong monarchy necessary to prevent chaos.

Flashcard 5: What was the primary legislative body in France under Louis XIV?

Answer: The Estates-General. Representative assembly that Louis XIV rarely convened.

Flashcard 6: What principle did the Peace of Westphalia establish?

Answer: The principle of national sovereignty. States control internal affairs without external interference.

Flashcard 7: Which form of government features a separation of powers?

Answer: Constitutionalism. Divides power among different branches of government.

Flashcard 8: Who was the 'Sun King' of France?

Answer: Louis XIV. Epitome of absolute monarchy in 17th-century Europe.

Flashcard 9: Which English king was executed after the Civil War?

Answer: Charles I. First English monarch executed by Parliament in 1649.

Flashcard 10: What was Oliver Cromwell's title during his rule?

Answer: Lord Protector. Military dictator during England's republican period.

Flashcard 11: What document limits the power of government in the Netherlands?

Answer: The Union of Utrecht. Created Dutch confederation with limited central authority.

Flashcard 12: Which monarch is a prominent example of absolutism in France?

Answer: Louis XIV. Known as the 'Sun King' who ruled France absolutely.

Flashcard 13: Which political thinker argued for a 'social contract'?

Answer: John Locke. Theorized government by consent of the governed.

Flashcard 14: What is the divine right of kings?

Answer: The belief that monarchs derive authority from God. Justifies absolute monarchy through divine appointment.

Flashcard 15: What did the Petition of Right (1628) demand from the monarchy?

Answer: No taxation without Parliament's consent. Required parliamentary approval for royal taxation.

Flashcard 16: What was a key cause of the English Civil War?

Answer: Disputes over authority between King and Parliament. Constitutional crisis over taxation and religious policies.

Flashcard 17: What principle did the Peace of Westphalia establish?

Answer: The principle of national sovereignty. States control internal affairs without external interference.

Flashcard 18: What event signaled the rise of parliamentary power in England?

Answer: The Glorious Revolution. Bloodless coup establishing parliamentary supremacy over monarchy.

Flashcard 19: Which ruler is associated with the phrase 'L'état, c'est moi'?

Answer: Louis XIV. Claimed to embody the entire French state personally.

Flashcard 20: What event marked the beginning of the English Commonwealth?

Answer: Execution of Charles I. Ended monarchy and established republican government.

Flashcard 21: What was a major consequence of the Treaty of Westphalia?

Answer: Recognition of state sovereignty. Established principle of non-interference in domestic affairs.

Flashcard 22: Which event is seen as the triumph of constitutionalism in England?

Answer: The Glorious Revolution. Peaceful transition to parliamentary constitutional monarchy.

Flashcard 23: What was a major consequence of the Treaty of Westphalia?

Answer: Recognition of state sovereignty. Established principle of non-interference in domestic affairs.

Flashcard 24: Which monarch's reign is known as the 'Restoration' in England?

Answer: Charles II. Returned monarchy after Cromwell's commonwealth period.

Flashcard 25: What is the divine right of kings?

Answer: The belief that monarchs derive authority from God. Justifies absolute monarchy through divine appointment.

Flashcard 26: What did the Edict of Nantes grant before its revocation?

Answer: Religious freedom to Huguenots. Protestant rights revoked by Louis XIV in 1685.

Flashcard 27: What was the purpose of the Palace of Versailles?

Answer: To display the power and grandeur of the French monarchy. Symbol of absolute royal power and centralized authority.

Flashcard 28: Name the English document that limited the power of the monarchy in 1689.

Answer: The Bill of Rights. Established constitutional monarchy after Glorious Revolution.

Flashcard 29: Identify a key characteristic of constitutionalism.

Answer: Limited government power by law or a constitution. Rules and laws restrict government authority.

Flashcard 30: What was the name of the legislative body in England?

Answer: Parliament. Represented constitutional limits on royal authority.

Flashcard 31: Which form of government features a separation of powers?

Answer: Constitutionalism. Divides power among different branches of government.

Flashcard 32: Which document formally ended the rule of absolute monarchy in England?

Answer: The Bill of Rights (1689). Codified constitutional monarchy and parliamentary supremacy.

Flashcard 33: What is absolutism in the context of European history?

Answer: A system where the monarch holds total power over the state. Monarch has unchecked authority over all state affairs.

Flashcard 34: What sparked the English Civil War?

Answer: Conflict between the monarchy and Parliament. Struggle between royal authority and parliamentary power.

Flashcard 35: Identify one principle of the English Bill of Rights.

Answer: Prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. Protected individual rights against government abuse.

Flashcard 36: Who was the first monarch after the English Restoration?

Answer: Charles II. Restored monarchy after republican Interregnum ended.

Flashcard 37: What event signaled the rise of parliamentary power in England?

Answer: The Glorious Revolution. Bloodless coup establishing parliamentary supremacy over monarchy.

Flashcard 38: What is absolutism in the context of European history?

Answer: A system where the monarch holds total power over the state. Monarch has unchecked authority over all state affairs.

Flashcard 39: What is one key feature of a constitutional monarchy?

Answer: Monarch acts as head of state within legal limits. Ceremonial ruler bound by constitutional constraints.

Flashcard 40: Which absolute monarch built the Palace of Versailles?

Answer: Louis XIV. Created symbol of absolute royal power and authority.

Flashcard 41: Who were the main opponents in the English Civil War?

Answer: Royalists vs. Parliamentarians. King's supporters versus Parliament's constitutional forces.

Flashcard 42: What did the Petition of Right (1628) demand from the monarchy?

Answer: No taxation without Parliament's consent. Required parliamentary approval for royal taxation.

Flashcard 43: Identify a significant effect of the Glorious Revolution.

Answer: Established a constitutional monarchy in England. Limited royal power through parliamentary supremacy.

Flashcard 44: Which philosopher advocated for separation of powers?

Answer: Montesquieu. Promoted checks and balances in government structure.

Flashcard 45: Which monarch is a prominent example of absolutism in France?

Answer: Louis XIV. Known as the 'Sun King' who ruled France absolutely.

Flashcard 46: What was the significance of the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679?

Answer: Ensured legal protection against unlawful imprisonment. Protected citizens from arbitrary detention by authorities.

Flashcard 47: What form of government did Oliver Cromwell establish?

Answer: A commonwealth or republic. Non-monarchical government system during Interregnum period.

Flashcard 48: What was Oliver Cromwell's title during his rule?

Answer: Lord Protector. Military dictator during England's republican period.

Flashcard 49: Identify a significant effect of the Glorious Revolution.

Answer: Established a constitutional monarchy in England. Limited royal power through parliamentary supremacy.