1. Throughout history, who has been the most common head of government for almost every culture and ethnic group?

Question

2. List five ways in which a man became a king.
3. What was commonly demonstrated by the amount of land a king owned?
4. List four reasons a king might go to war against another land.
5. Who made up the king's council of advisers?
6. With what two things did lords and barons support a king they trusted?
7. What individual was a major influence on kings during the Middle Ages?
8. What was the greatest threat the pope could use to influence a king?
9. Who was usually a king's heir?
10. Would you want to be an absolute monarch? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

1. Throughout history, the most common head of government across various cultures and ethnic groups has been a king or monarch. This title has been widely used in different forms around the world.

2. A man could become a king through several means, including:

   • Hereditary succession: Being born into a royal family.
   • Conquest: Taking control of a territory through military force.
   • Appointment: Being designated as king by a powerful figure or council.
   • Marriage: Gaining the throne through marriage to a queen or a royal family member.
   • Election: In some cultures, being chosen by a council or noble assembly.

3. The amount of land a king owned commonly demonstrated his wealth and power. Land ownership was a key indicator of a ruler's influence and resources.

4. A king might go to war against another land for several reasons, including:

   • To expand territorial control.
   • To defend against invasion or threats.
   • To gain access to resources, such as land, minerals, or trade routes.
   • To settle disputes over claims or vassal relationships.

5. The king's council of advisers was typically made up of nobles, lords, and sometimes clergy. Each adviser brought expertise and counsel on matters of state.

6. Lords and barons supported a king they trusted with military loyalty (providing troops) and financial resources (paying taxes or providing funds for the king's initiatives).

7. A major influence on kings during the Middle Ages was the pope. The Catholic Church held significant power, and the pope often influenced political matters.

8. The greatest threat the pope could use to influence a king was excommunication, which could delegitimize the king’s rule and turn his subjects against him.

9. A king's heir was usually his son. In the absence of a son, the heir could also be a daughter or another close relative, depending on the laws of succession.

10. Whether one would want to be an absolute monarch can be a complex question. Some might find the power and control appealing, enjoying the ability to make decisions without opposition. Others might feel burdened by the responsibility, the potential for isolation from the populace, and the moral implications of wielding such unchecked power. Personally, I may choose not to be an absolute monarch due to the heavy responsibilities and ethical challenges that come with such authority.