Compare and contrast the changing nature of government in France and England.

The question requires the candidates to give an account of the similarities and differences between government in England and France. Candidates may argue that in many areas they were very similar, both were feudal monarchies with the monarch reliant on the nobility to maintain stability. Over time, both developed a centralized bureaucratic structure to administer the state more effectively. Both had a centrally directed judiciary that administered the law in the localities. Both kingdoms relied to some extent on the support of the Church. Candidates may argue that the main differences lay in the relative strength of the monarchy at any one time and that this depended on specific factors, examples could include weak government in the reign of Stephen (the Anarchy), the undermining of Louis VII because of his conflicts with England. Some may discuss royal finances linking them to the nature of government. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between government in England and France. Few responses were seen to this question. Little relevant historical knowledge was provided by candidates.