Date | November 2018 | Marks available | 15 | Reference code | 18N.3op4.HL.TZ0.7 |
Level | Higher level only | Paper | Paper 3 (History of Europe) | Time zone | TZ0 |
Command term | Evaluate | Question number | 7 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Evaluate the significance of political writings to cultural and intellectual development during the Renaissance.
Markscheme
The question requires that candidates make an appraisal of the importance of political writings to cultural and intellectual development that occurred during the Renaissance. Candidates may begin by briefly contextualizing the period in which the political writings developed and how they challenged the existing establishment. They may argue that the political writings of the time helped develop new ways of political organization and authority. Candidates may explore how the political writings of Machiavelli challenged the moral basis for rulers and instructed them to only worry about the maintenance of power. Candidates may also look at the impact of contemporary secular humanist ideas contained in the political writings and make an appraisal as to the impact on rulers.