Question

Before 1688, how did English kings measure up to absolute monarchy?

A) English kings had absolute power.
B) Absolute monarchy was not established.
C) Both A and B.
D) None of the above.

Answer 1

Before 1688, English kings did not achieve the level of absolute monarchy as their power was checked by the noble class and Parliament. After the Glorious Revolution, English monarchy evolved to embrace constitutional principles officially.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before 1688, English kings did not fully measure up to the standards of an absolute monarchy as seen with monarchs such as France's Louis XIV. While English monarchs desired power, their authority was often checked by various legal and feudal constraints which included having to consult or share power with the noble class, as well as with Parliament. After the Glorious Revolution of 1688 which resulted in the establishment of constitutional monarchy, these constraints became formalized in the Bill of Rights in 1689. Therefore, the correct answer to the question, 'Before 1688, how did English kings measure up to absolute monarchy?' is B) Absolute monarchy was not established.