Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Jean Bodin was a pivotal figure in the development of political thought during the late Renaissance. His concept of legitimate monarchy is rooted in the idea of sovereignty, which he defined as the absolute and perpetual power of a state. In this framework, a legitimate monarch is expected to govern in accordance with certain moral principles, which Bodin aligned with the laws of nature. This suggests a reciprocal relationship where the monarch is bound by a higher moral order that reflects natural law, while subjects are expected to adhere to the laws enacted by the monarch, thus ensuring a governed society that strives for justice and stability.

This notion establishes a balance of power, implying that the authority of the monarch is not entirely arbitrary or self-serving, but instead is grounded in a responsibility to govern justly and fairly. In this sense, the legitimacy of a monarchy was tied to its alignment with broader, universal laws, rather than just the whims of the ruler. This philosophy also sought to prevent tyranny and promote the common good, contrasting starkly with the idea of a monarch ruling purely for self-interest or through force. Thus, Bodin's thought contributes significantly to modern understandings of governance and law, reinforcing the importance of ethical governance as foundational for a legitimate authority.