Practice question · Select all that apply
Why did extraordinary taxation tend to produce representative assemblies?
Hints
- Three of these describe the ruler’s motive; the fourth describes a much later constitutional idea.
- Ask who summoned these bodies and who could dismiss them.
Show the answer
- A. Assemblies gave rulers a means of publicising and legitimating a demand
- B. Consent had to be obtained from those expected to pay
- C. A king demanding more than his customary dues was asking for something he had no right to
Why
The assemblies exist because rulers needed something from their subjects and could not simply take it. That is a real constraint and it left a real principle behind, no extraordinary tax without consent, but it is not a share in government. These bodies met when summoned and went home when told to.
Practise The Feudal Monarchies
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