Compare and contrast the forms of government in Milan and Florence.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between the forms of government in Milan and Florence, referring to both throughout. Candidates may refer to types of Renaissance characteristics that were present in the governments, such as republicanism, individualism and humanism. Florence was a republic, with a constitution that limited the power of any one social group, and ensured that no one person or group could have complete political control. Political power resided in the hands of middle-class merchants, a few wealthy families and the guilds. Some may argue that the Medici family had nearly as much power as a monarch. Milan was a military state and government became hereditary under a succession of powerful Sforza dukes. Attempts to install a republic proved unsuccessful. Both similarities and differences must be clearly indicated but there does not need to be an equal number of each.

The question required candidates to give an account of the similarities and differences between the forms of government in Milan and Florence. Few responses were seen to this question. Some candidates were able to show good, in-depth knowledge and analysis.