CONSTRUCTED RESPONSE QUESTION SET #1 Document 1
Powers of the king. The King, Louis XVI, was absolute. He ruled by the divine right theory which held that he had
received his power to govern from God and was therefore responsible to God alone. He appointed all civil officials and
military officers. He made and enforced the laws. He could declare war and make peace. He levied taxes and spent
the people's money as he saw fit. He controlled the expression of thought by a strict censorship of speech and press.
By means of lettres de cachet (sealed letters which were really blank warrants for arrest) he could arbitrarily imprison
anyone without trial for an indefinite period. He lived in his magnificent palace at Versailles, completely oblivious to
the rising tide of popular discontent. ...
Source: Friedman & Foner, A Genetic Approach to Modern European History, College Entrance Book Co., 1938 from the NYS
Global History and Geography Regents Exam, January 2007
Historical Context-refers to the historical circumstances that led to this event/idea/historical development
1. Explain the historical circumstances that led to Louis XVI consolidation of power. [1]