Absolutism Dbq Analysis

Liberty and freedom is often overlooked in some countries but other countries have never seen freedom or liberty before. That is because our vast world has many different forms of government with different forms of control, two being democratic rule and absolute rule. Democracy by definition is a system of government by the whole population or all eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. Many countries today have democratic governments such as the United States of America, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. Ancient Greece is credited with the birth of democracy in the 5th century B.C.E. Originally, democracies favored free men and granted them the right to vote. Since then, this form of government has evolved to providing all citizens with equal liberties and freedoms. Absolute governments by definition is a form of government where the ruler exercises ultimate governing authority as head of state and head of government, thus wielding political power of the sovereign state and its subject people. Absolutism can take place in many forms of government such as monarchies, dictatorships,theocracy, tyranny and totalitarianism. Supreme power rests in the hands of one single being in all these forms of government. Monarchies are the oldest form of absolute governments, dating back over a thousand years ago. All forms of absolute governments have one person with complete sovereignty, whether it be a monarch, dictator, or God himself. Absolute governments differ greatly from democratic governments. Democracies and absolute governments contrast when it comes to voting and the rights of citizens, but have a similarity when it comes to national strength. The role of citizens in a democratic government and an absolute government differ greatly when it comes to voting. Under democratic rule, citizens are encouraged to vote for their rulers. The English Bill of Rights allows citizens to freely elect and run for Parliament (Document 3). Citizens were given these rights after the British monarch fought for control from the British Parliament. The right to vote was granted upon converting from an absolute monarchy to a constitutionally monarchy. Also, the Japanese Constitution of 1947 stated in Article 15 that suffrage is guaranteed to all adults in regard to the election of public officials (Document 6). The Japanese Constitution of 1947, however, was created by US politicians after the Allies forced Japan to surrender in WWII. The Japanese Constitution of 1947 is biased because it was created by American politicians, who support democracy and the right to vote. Despite the fact that democratic rule allows you to vote, absolute rule demolishes that ability. In an absolute monarchy, monarchs come to power through divine …show more content…
One of those similarities is national strength. Under democratic rule, countries gain strength by uniting together. In order for national reconciliation, countries must act together as a united people (Document 7). Uniting together allows countries to become stronger and promotes working together. The United States had to work together during WWI and WWII in order to succeed. Our entire country changed the penny from being made of copper to being made of tin to reserve copper for manufacturing weaponry. Women and children had to start working while men were drafted and sent to war. Without working together, the United States would not be the same as it is today. Similarly, under absolute rule, countries gain national strength through military power. In Italy during 1934, citizens were required to save rifles, cartridge belts, and the rest for war. Also, soldiers must not believe in perpetual peace and must be disciplined (Document 5). Italian citizens under absolute rule were ordered to form strong armies in order to protect the nation during war. Without the nation working together, confusion and defeat is imminent. Both democratic governments and absolute governments have national …show more content…
In a democratic country, citizens are encouraged to vote for their leaders and representatives, but in an absolute country, citizens are unable to vote for their leaders. Additionally, citizens have numerous rights and liberties such as the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness under democratic rule. Contrarily, citizens have little to no liberties and freedoms under absolute rule. Despite the differences between the two, democratic rule and absolute rule both provide national strength to their country. Democracies and absolutisms have many differences but can relate in a few