Discussion Topics and Questions

1. Conciliarism plays a vital role in the history of political thought. What elements of the Conciliarist position addressed the question of soverignty and representation?
2. Since England was able to beat France at Crécy and Poiters and Agincourt, why was France (along with Spain) the major military power of the high Renaissance?
3. Jensen says the lance, sword and crossbow were the soldier's most used weapons. Whatever happened to the longbow?
4. Why would it be useful for a state to have a diplomat? What advantage would such a state have over another that employed no resident ambassador?
5. In what ways would Burckhardt disagree with J.N. Figgis (quoted by Jensen, p. 273)?
6. Compare the political organization of your state with that of Florence as described by Brucker.
7. What does Brucker identify as the cohesive and divisive forces of Florentine politics?
8. Does your own view of politics lean more toward the Aristotelian or the Augustinian school? What sort of implications does each position have regarding participation in politics by the common people?
9. Compare the Estates General of France, the Parliament of England, and the Cortes of Spain. What do you see as the most significant differences between these?
10. What connection do you see between war and warcraft, and the development of governmental finance, administration, and law? Give some specific examples to illustrate your points.