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Long term causes: number 2. Political and administrative system. Sovereignty. What is it? From what does any political regime draw its power and authority? With whom does Sovereignty reside in Australia?. sov·er·eign (säv ′ rən, -ər in; occas. suv ′ -). adjective
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Long term causes: number 2 Political and administrative system
Sovereignty • What is it? From what does any political regime draw its power and authority? • With whom does Sovereignty reside in Australia?
sov·er·eign (säv′rən, -ər in; occas. suv′-) adjective • above or superior to all others; chief; greatest; supreme • supreme in power, rank, or authority • of or holding the position of ruler; royal; reigning • independent of all others a sovereign state • excellent; outstanding • very effectual, as a cure or remedy • Etymology: ME soveraine < OFr < VL *superanus < L super, above, over noun • a person who possesses sovereign authority or power; specif., a monarch or ruler
sov·er·eignty (-tē) nounpl.sovereignties -·ties • the state or quality of being sovereign • the status, dominion, rule, or power of a sovereign • supreme and independent political authority • a sovereign state or governmental unit
Look carefully at the next picture. • (Also on page 7 of Adcock) • Think about: • How does the painting convey the immense personal power of the king, Louis XVI? • Messages communicated through his pose and expression? • Anything else of note about the painting.
Pretty impressive, huh? • Louis XVI was what is known as a Divine Right Absolute Monarch (DRAM)
Louis XVI’s rule as a DRAM rested on the following elements: • Absolutism • Absolute authority • Documents and practise support • Power to pass laws, appoint ministers, declare war and peace, impose taxes, control currency, etc • Divine Right • Religious belief (devout country) • Power from God – think of significance? Modern equivalent? • Can one criticise/challenge God? • Dynasty • Tradition – long line of rulers • Military power • Supreme commander
Thus, think: • What needs to occur for a revolution to occur???
…but is generally regarded as a weak character, particularly by those who know him.
Marie-Antoinette, however… • Austrian royalty • Promised to Louis XVI as a child – peace process between traditional enemies, Austria and France • Marries Louis in 1770, aged 14. • Bizarre initiation ceremony • Young couple unable to conceive for seven years – largely as a result of Louis’ unfortunate “problem” – inability to produce a male heir does not endear her to the French public.
Actually, the fault lay with Louis’ • In the words of Simon Schama, sexual relations were “complicated” • Letter from Joseph II, emperor of Austria and Marie-Antoinette’s brother, 1777: [Louis] has strong, well-conditioned erections, introduces the member, stays there without moving for perhaps two minutes and withdraws without ejaculating but still erect and says good night; this is incomprehensible because he sometimes has nightly emissions but once in place and going at it, never – he says plainly that he does it from a sense of duty. • Poor Marie-Antoinette! • Louis’ “Problem” finally corrected through minor surgery. Able to conceive a child (a daughter, mind you…)
Marie-Antoinette • But her reputation slides for a number of reasons: • Apparent financial recklessness – she regularly runs up large debts – and indifference to the suffering of others • ‘Let them eat cake’ • 1785 - Diamond Necklace Affair • Labelled “Madame Deficit”
Also… • Subject to vicious rumour and innuendo. For example... • Scandal sheets • Political pornography • Accuse her of sexual misadventure (eg. affairs with Artois and Lafayette), infidelity, lesbianism, even incest. • She becomes known as the ‘Austrian Whore’ • Louis is ridiculed as a cuckold (cheated-upon husband).
Remember: Louis XVI’s rule as a DRAM rested on the following elements: • Absolutism • Absolute authority • Documents and practise support • Power to pass laws, appoint ministers, declare war and peace, impose taxes, control currency, etc • Divine Right • Religious belief (devout country) • Power from God – think of significance? Modern equivalent? • Can one criticise/challenge God? • Dynasty • Tradition – long line of rulers • Military power • Supreme commander
Again, think: • What needed to happen for a revolution to occur?
View the following clip • What is the film maker trying to say about life in the court of Louis XVI? • If accurate, how might this lifestyle weaken the elements that make up the king’s authority? • Is this accurate? Is this fair??? [Go find out!]