Similarities and Differences between the English Parliament and the French Monarchy

England and France both developed very different governmental systems during the sixteenth century. Great Britain created a governmental system on which there is little infringement upon the rights of the people, and there is a parliamentary government to keep the royal power in check. The French monarchy was the exact opposite. The monarchs ruled absolutely and controlled all the affairs that took place in the kingdom. Although the English and French of the sixteenth century evolved differently, their governments both generated great power and wealth.

The English parliamentary system incorporated the ideal of a society where the people have the power. This in turn was backed by a powerful ruling class of nobles and royalty. This provided an efficient bureaucratic government that mirrors the Democratic-Republic system that is currently employed in America today. Resulting from no direct taxation, in exchange for the increase in price of royal services, the majority of the population did not have to pay exorbitant amounts to coexist in an environment with powerful figureheads.

The Seat of Government

Government spending

Louis XIV of France, the "sun king" was the absolu...

The wealth generated was then kept inside of the royalty resulting from the nobles requiring the royal services. The commoner peasant class was not constrained by the government's financial burdens. This lead to the rise in the lower classes economically, which led to better furnishings, diet, and extra capital. The extra money then was poured into the adventurous joint-stock companies which financed voyages to Africa, India, and China. This resulted in lucrative profits from the rare commodities. The government's investment in this industry also led to a large cash flow and an increase in prestige and power in its venture throughout the uncharted seas.

The Absolute Monarchy of France took the idea of prestige and power to a new level. Taxation was placed upon sales, salt trade, and households. This generated...