Forms Of Government In The Seventeenth And 18th Centuries

Throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, there were two major forms of government; democracy and absolutism. Democracy, defined as a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives, is believed a government where the liberties and the rights of man are heightened. Absolutism, describing the acceptance of or belief in absolute principles in political, philosophical, ethical, or theological matters, is a government focused on power, the rulers, and the wealthy.

Governments that used democracy during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries include The United States of America, France, and England; although subject to changes. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, France's political pendulum swung back and forth between a democracy and being an absolute monarchy, causing times of struggle, debt, and beheadings, as well as prosperity, financial gain, and technological advancements(oi). As stated in Document 4, Voltaire believes in a democracy by saying “I may disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it… The best form of government seems to be that in which all ranks of men are equally protected by the laws…”(d4). Democracy develops the ideas of all men being equal under …show more content…
When looking at democracy and absolutism, I realized that democracy is overall better for the greater good by giving the commoner more simple liberties. This is historically one of the soundest government tactics because it encompasses more than one view because people are allowed and are granted a say in politics. Absolutism is all about the hierarchy and granting, even more, power to the king, dictator or other head of state. The leader of an absolute controlled government would find themselves fear mongering by using executions and propaganda to further their