Final answer:
Ivan the Terrible was an absolute monarch, who held complete control over the Russian state without constitutional constraints. William and Mary, on the other hand, were constitutional monarchs in England, with their powers limited by the constitution and the requirement to collaborate with Parliament. The correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between Ivan the Terrible and William and Mary lies in the type of monarchy they represented. Ivan the Terrible was known as an absolute monarch, having complete control over the state and its policies without any constitutional checks or need to consult with other branches of government. In contrast, William and Mary were constitutional monarchs, operating within the limits set by the constitution and sharing power with other political entities such as the Parliament.
To answer the student's question directly, the correct option is: d) Ivan the Terrible was an absolute monarch, while William and Mary were constitutional monarchs. This means that Ivan the Terrible ruled without any constitutional limitations, making laws and decisions as he saw fit, whereas William and Mary's powers were limited by the constitution and laws of the state, and they had to work in collaboration with Parliament.
The shift from the notion of an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy arose out of changes such as the agricultural and industrial revolutions, the rise of a middle class demanding political representation, and religious conflicts. The result of these changes was a system where the monarch's role was more ceremonial and traditional, with real political power residing in democratic institutions.