Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Which form of government in Europe during the seventeenth century is associated with the event depicted in the engraving?

1. Republicanism

2. Federalism

3. Absolutism

4. Constitutional Monarchy

The correct answer is: Absolutism

The seventeenth century in Europe was marked by the rise of absolutism, a form of government characterized by the concentration of power in the hands of a single ruler, often justified by the divine right of kings. This form of governance emphasized the authority of the monarch to rule without the need for consent from the governed or legislative bodies. The engraving likely depicts an event or figure associated with this period, such as a king exercising supreme power, military parades, or royal ceremonies that illustrate the monarch’s central role in society and politics. Absolutism allowed rulers to implement policies, maintain order, and exert influence over both domestic and foreign issues unimpeded by other governing bodies. Prominent examples include Louis XIV of France, who famously stated "L'État, c'est moi" (I am the state), illustrating his embodiment of the state's authority. The depiction in the engraving aligns with this concept by showcasing the power and grandeur associated with absolute monarchs of the time. Other forms of governance mentioned like republicanism, which emphasizes the role of elected representatives and the concept of a government accountable to the people, and federalism, which involves a division of powers between central and regional authorities, do not accurately reflect the characteristics highlighted by the engraving. Similarly