Compare and contrast the nature of power and rule in one state in ascendancy and one state in decline.

Candidates will give an account of the similarities and differences between the nature of power and rule in one state in ascendancy and one in decline, referring to both states throughout. While the focus of the response must be within the timeframe of this topic, the chosen states do not need to have existed at the same time. They may or may not come from the same region. Candidates may, for example, consider the role of economic and financial structures, factors which contributed to social discontent, or, conversely, cohesion, or the roles of religion or war. The relationship between local and central authority may be considered.