Question

Under the ancien régime, the state was generally defined as the domain of the sovereign. How was this definition changed by the American and French revolutions? What are the elements of a national identity in the modern world? What is the place of minorities such as the Jews within this new concept of nationality?

Answer 1

The French and American revolutions supported the notion of the division of powers rather than the idea of a sovereign with unlimited authority. Both revolutions and revolutionaries supported the distribution of duties among several branches. Symbols, memories, accomplishments, and national experiences are all components of a nation's identity. Since minority involvement enhances a nation's culture and social cohesiveness, minorities should have an important position in that nation.

Answer 2

The American and French revolutions didn't believe in the absolute power of a sovereign but in the idea of separation of powers. The revolutions and the revolutionaries believed in the division of responsabilities in different branches.

The elements of national identity are symbols, memories, achievements and national experiences of a country.

Minorities in a country should take a very important role and countries must encourage minority participation because it enriches the culture and cohesion of a country.