Compare and contrast the forms of government in two of the following Italian city states: Milan, Florence, Venice.

The question requires candidates give an account of the similarities and differences in the governments of two of the named city states referring to both throughout. Areas to discuss should include the size of the political class, which could include middle class merchants, a few wealthy families and possibly the guilds. Some may argue that all were similar in that they were oligarchies. Another area to consider could be the extent to which they were republics. There may be discussion of the dominance of one particular family such as the Sforza in Milan and the Medici in Florence. Some may argue that the Doge in Venice were an elective monarchy and that in Milan the Sforza were similar to a monarchy as power became hereditary, whereas Florence had a republican constitution that ensured that no one group or person had complete political control. The extent of similarities and differences will vary according to the chosen exemplars; do not expect an equal number of both. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required candidates give an account of the similarities and differences in the governments of two of the named city states: Milan, Florence, Venice.