FEUDALISM (2/2) Flashcards
(10 cards)
What sacred role did the king hold in society?
Chosen by God to organize society on Earth and defend Christianity
This belief underpinned the legitimacy of monarchies in historical contexts.
What comprised the king’s kingdom?
Territories under the monarch’s authority
The kingdom was defined by the geographical and political territories ruled by the king.
What were the primary powers of the king?
Lead military campaigns, collect taxes, act as supreme judge
The king had significant authority but could not interfere in the fiefs of nobles or the Church.
Who assisted the king in governance?
The high nobility and religious authorities, assisted by the Curia or Royal Council
This structure indicates a collaborative governance model, balancing power among different elites.
What characterized the privileged class?
Minority of the population holding social and economic power, owning most land
The privileged class included nobles and clergy who enjoyed significant advantages over commoners.
What were the obligations of the privileged class?
Protect the population, ensure sustenance during famine, provide seeds and farming tools
These obligations highlight the responsibilities of the elite towards the lower classes.
What rights did the privileged class hold?
Impose rules and laws, judge peasants, issue sentences and fines, create taxes and tolls
Such rights illustrate their control over the legal and economic systems.
True or False: The privileged class had to pay taxes.
False
Members of the privileged class were exempt from taxation, which contributed to their wealth.
What were the two distinct estates or orders in the privileged class?
Nobility and clergy
Each estate had specific roles: the nobility focused on military defense, while the clergy focused on spiritual matters.
Fill in the blank: The king’s military campaigns required vassals to attend with their _______.
armies (mesnadas)
Mesnadas were the military forces provided by vassals in feudal society.
