1. What are called Common Laws?

The Tudor Kings cleverly managed parliament and ruled with absolute powers. They made parliament to accept their despotic rule. The Tudor despotism was run through parliament. The country’s traditions, the judgement of law courts, conventions and practices were called as “common Laws” in England. There was a belief that “Common Law” was very important in protecting the rights of the people and the king was not above it.

2. What are the religious causes of the glorious revolution in India?

Henry VIII could not get permission from the pope to give divorce to Catherine. He tool the help of Parliament and established Anglican Church in England and solved the problem of his divorce through this church. But James acted in a suspicious manner, creating an impression that he was supporting the Catholics. The middle class English merchants did not like his relations with Spain, which was harmful to their foreign trade. The puritans who were in majority in the parliament though that conflict with the king was inevitable to protect their religious interests.

3. Point out the results of American War of Independence.

1.  The declaration of American independence influenced several countries and peoples of the world.
2.  It also inspired the colonists in central and South America who rose in revolt and got emancipated from colonial rule.
3.  The American Revolution served as a beacon light to the suppressed people of the world.
4.  The famous slogan “No taxation without representation” laid the foundation for representative governments in the world.
5.  The declaration of independence greatly inspired Indian National Congress which fought for self determination and for representative and responsible governments in our country.
6.  It contributed for the written constitution with Federal principles preserving national unity.
7.  Individual’s liberty, the rule of law, the systems of checks and balances as enshrined in American constitution were adopted by several world democracies.

4. Explain the role of French Philosophers in French Revolution.

The two important political principles of Renaissance were the intellectual causes of French Revolution. The first of these two “Liberalism” was enunciated by the famous philosopher’s Locke and Montesquieu. The second one “Democracy” was enunciated by Rousseau. Locke’s theory of “National Rights” to oppose despotic rule became the root cause of revolution. Rousseau’s theory of people’s sovereignty equality and supremacy of majority inspired the second stage of French revolution. Montesquieu theory of separation of powers dismantled the inherent absolute powers of the king. Voltaire advocated for enlightened deposition, with restricted powers or republican government with middle class supremacy. The American declaration of independence which advocated liberty, equality and the right of the people to revolt against despotic governments, inspired the French people.

5. What are the economic causes of the glorious revolution in England?

The king was given limited sources of income to conduct administration. He could not levy taxes without the consent of the parliament. The income of the king from the customs was not enough to meet out the growing expenditure. Whenever the king asked for additional sources of income, the parliament demanded more rights and share in the government. This the Tudors could manage by clever tactics.
James I, who believed in the absolute powers of the king levied taxes without the consent of parliament. He used his prerogative powers and levied additional taxes on imports and exports. He sold Monopolies in trade and titles for money. Parliament did not like these measures and conflict become inevitable between the king and parliament.

6. What is Revolution? How does revolution take place?

Revolution means to bring a fundamental change or transformation of the existing practice. Sometimes revolution is introduced by force and at other times it is ushered in gradually and peacefully.
Social, political and economic organizations do not end by themselves. They try to continue their existence as far as possible. When the existing system become unbearable, then only revolutions takes place to replace them. Revolution is essential for the development of human society. The modern ideas of democracy, socialism, nationalism are born out of revolution.

7. What is known as Bloodless or Glorious Revolution?

The powers of the king of England were restricted. Thus democracy and parliamentary supremacy were established. It became clear that the power of the king to rule was not a divide right but it was conferred by parliament. The supreme power was transferred to parliament took place without shedding a drop of blood or firing a single shot. This transformation is known as Glorious or Bloodless Revolution. 

8. Explain the progress of democracy in England. 

The desire of common people to take part in government increased. In 1832, the people’s Representation Act was amended removing lapses in the voting system. The franchise of voting right was corrected in proportion to population. The people still struggled for universal Franchise and ultimately got success in their efforts. Thus parliamentary form of government in England grew stage by stage.
After the end of common wealth experiments of Cromwell, the monarchy, the House of Commons, and House of Lords were also revived. But the upper house, the House of Lords lost its glory and powers in comparison to the House of Commons. The English democracy and its parliament are called as the mother of world parliaments.

9. Who were called “Pilgrim Fathers”? Explain.

Some of the kings of England favoured Roman Catholic and harassed puritans and subjected them to freedom, they migrated to America. The first emigrants were called “Pilgrim Father”. They wanted freedom in their religious practices and had no desire for wealth or property. They worked hard in the colonies, cut the forests and made the land cultivable, built churches and houses, developed trade and industries. They established schools, colleges and universities and desired freedom for their posterity.

10. Describe the impact of French Revolution.

1.  Feudalism in France was abolished. 
2. The privileges of special classes and concessions enjoyed by them were abolished,
3. Capitalism was introduced in place of old economic system.
4. France became a native centre of French people.
5. The sovereignty of people possessing supreme power in the state came to be recognized.
6. The basic principles of “democracy” responsibility to the people emerged out.
7. The Jacobines prepared a constitution which served as a model to all democratic government.
8. It gave the right of voting and the right to revolt to people.
9. Several countries increased their armed forces which threatens world peace.
10. The French peoples fanatic patriotism and extreme nationalism gave rise to militant nationalism and national pride.
11. The value of human lives was also lessened.
12. French revolution could not achieve the real equality.