British Citizenship Test

What principle did James I and Charles I believe concerning the monarchy?

1. Absolute Monarchy

2. Divine Right of Kings

3. Constitutional Monarchy

4. Parliamentary Sovereignty

The correct answer is: Divine Right of Kings

James I and Charles I upheld the principle of the Divine Right of Kings, which posited that a monarch's authority comes directly from God rather than being subject to earthly authority or institutions, such as Parliament. This belief was grounded in the idea that kings were God's appointed rulers, and therefore, their decisions and decrees should not be challenged by anyone, including subjects or governing bodies. This principle justified their absolute power and contributed to conflicts with Parliament, ultimately leading to political turmoil and the English Civil War. In contrast, other concepts like Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Sovereignty advocate for power-sharing between the monarch and Parliament, which contradicts the belief in the Divine Right. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the foundation of royal rule as understood by James I and Charles I, resonating with their approach to governance.