Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Bodin's perspectives were developed during which historical period?

1. The early Enlightenment

2. The Renaissance

3. The Reformation

4. The Scientific Revolution

The correct answer is: The early Enlightenment

The correct answer is that Bodin's perspectives were developed during the Renaissance. Jean Bodin was a prominent figure in the late 16th century, which coincides with the Renaissance period, a time characterized by a revival of interest in classical philosophy, literature, and the arts. Bodin is known for his theories of sovereignty and political philosophy, which contributed significantly to the development of modern political thought. His work emerged during a time of growing centralization of power in European states and the decline of feudalism, reflecting the broader cultural and intellectual shifts of the Renaissance. Thus, associating Bodin with the early Enlightenment would not accurately capture the context in which his ideas arose, as the Enlightenment proper began in the late 17th and 18th centuries, building upon the foundations laid during the Renaissance.