The assumption that the empire could be ruled and united under the emperor was challenged as many different families and factions fought for control and continuously engaged in warfare and intrigues in order to gain or consolidate power.
Because of the lack of central control and stability, some of the grand projects envisioned by rulers like the Grand Canal or the Great Wall fell by the wayside because of a lack of funding and again the lack of control over the various factions.
This led in some ways to a return to looking inward and working within familial groups and locally controlled provinces. The assumption of a national identity was slowed and even stopped in some places as different provinces again started to look out for their own interests and stood up to fight for them against anyone not willing to allow them that freedom.
Correct answer: A. People have natural rights and government is based on a contract.
Explanation/details:
English philosopher John Locke believed that all human beings have certain natural rights which are to be protected and preserved. Locke's ideal was one that promoted individual freedom and equal rights and opportunity for all. Each individual's well-being (life, health, liberty, possessions) should be served by the way government and society are arranged.
Thus, In his political theory, Locke argued the idea of a "social contract." According to his view, a government's power to govern comes from the consent of the people themselves -- those who are to be governed. This was a change from the previous ideas of "divine right monarchy" -- that a king ruled because God appointed him to be the ruler. Locke repudiated the views of divine right monarchy in his <em>First Treatise on Civil Government.</em> In his <em>Second Treatise on Civil Government</em>, Locke argued for the rights of the people to create their own governments according to their own desires and for the sake of protecting their own life, liberty, and property. This includes the right to replace an unjust government with one that properly serves the people's rights.
Cannot support its population or promote any more growth
Answer:
The Age of Absolutism refers to period in French history where the Monarch has Absolute power over the country and all it's resources.
Explanation:
An example is that of Napoleon Bonaparte or Louis the 16th. As absolute Monarchy, there were increases in taxation to not only help build a powerful army but also to fund the lavish lifestyles of these kings.
A king would also influence the local religion and social customs that would sometimes out them in odds with other religiously motivated monarchs in Europe.
As tensions grew and the government expenditure grew even larger, a war and territorial gain would be seen as the best way to not only increase power but eventually generate more revenue.
This was in stark contrast to smaller countries in Europe, especially modern-day Belgium or Germany where the power of the King was gradually decreasing.
They could neither build an army as big as France's and did not have the will to do so.
Hence, during this time, the French were able to annex millions of acres of new land and build the largest territorial Empire in Europe.
