Describe the political philosophy of the Egyptian government through all three major dynastic periods.

Answer 1

The political philosophy of the Egyptian government varied through the three major dynastic periods: the Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom.

1. Old Kingdom (2686-2181 BCE): In the Old Kingdom, the political philosophy of the Egyptian government was characterized by a strong centralized monarchy with a divine ruler known as the pharaoh. Power was concentrated in the hands of the pharaoh, who was considered a god-like figure. The pharaoh was believed to be the intermediary between the gods and the people, responsible for maintaining Ma'at (cosmic order).

The pharaoh's authority was absolute, and all aspects of life, including politics, religion, and the economy, were tightly controlled by the state. To assist the pharaoh in governing, a bureaucratic system was established that consisted of high-ranking officials who oversaw various aspects of government administration. The pharaoh's word was law, and his decisions were unquestionable.

2. Middle Kingdom (2055-1650 BCE): The political philosophy of the Egyptian government shifted during the Middle Kingdom. The pharaoh's power was still significant, but the authority of local governors and nobles increased. This period witnessed a broader distribution of political power, as the pharaoh relied on regional governors to administer their territories. These governors, known as nomarchs, enjoyed more autonomy and had significant influence over their respective regions.

The pharaohs of the Middle Kingdom focused on promoting social justice, maintaining stability, and improving the lives of the common people. They emphasized the concept of Ma'at, ensuring that justice and order prevailed throughout the country. As a result, government administration became more decentralized, with local officials being responsible for maintaining law and order in their regions.

3. New Kingdom (1550-1069 BCE): The political philosophy of the Egyptian government in the New Kingdom was marked by a revival of centralization and the pharaoh's authority. Pharaohs like Hatshepsut and Ramses II sought to restore the might and glory of Egypt by centralizing power and reestablishing control over the territories that were lost during the Second Intermediate Period.

During the New Kingdom, the pharaoh was seen as a warrior king, leading armies in conquests, defending Egypt's borders, and expanding the empire. The pharaoh's absolute authority was reestablished, and various national institutions were strengthened, including the bureaucracy, the military, and religious institutions.

In conclusion, the political philosophy of the Egyptian government evolved over the three major dynastic periods. While the Old Kingdom emphasized a centralized monarchy, the Middle Kingdom saw a more distributed power structure with regional governors gaining influence. However, with the New Kingdom, the power of the pharaoh was restored, leading to a renewed centralization of authority.

Answer 2

Options are:

Feminist system
Monotheism
Absolute monarchy
Capitalism

Answer 3

Among the options provided, the political philosophy of the Egyptian government throughout the three major dynastic periods can be best characterized as an absolute monarchy.