Question
Compare and contrast the methods of government in two established states.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will give an account of the similarities and differences in the methods of government in two states, focusing on both states throughout the response. While the focus of the response must be within the timeframe of this topic, the two states chosen need not be contemporaneous with each other and they may or may not be chosen from the same region. Methods to be considered may include, the use of religious law, common law, a tributary system, a bureaucratic system of regional representatives of the state or rule by a military elite. These may have been effective or ineffective or a combination of both.
Question
“The political organization of colonial states was mainly influenced by the relationship between the state and religion.” Discuss with reference to two states.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the hypothesis that the political organization of colonial states was influenced mainly by the relationship between the state and religion—be that a local religion, one introduced by the metropole or a range of religions present in the chosen states. “Colonial states” refers to those states that were ruled by representatives of the metropole and while the focus of the response must be within the timeframe of this topic, the two states chosen need not be contemporaneous with each other and they may or may not be chosen from the same region. Similarly, the religion(s) of the chosen colonial states may be the same or different. Each colonial state may be considered separately or a thematic approach may be used if the candidates choose to compare the ways in which the relationship was similar or different.
Question
“The expansion of early modern colonial empires was motivated by economic factors.” Discuss with reference to two early modern colonial empires.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the hypothesis with reference made to two early modern colonial empires. While the focus of the response must be within the timeframe of this topic, the two colonial empires need not be contemporaneous. Further, the two colonial empires may or may not be chosen from different regions. Candidates must identify the reasons why the colonial empires expanded, and gauge the importance of economic factors in this context. Candidates may determine that economic factors were the most significant motivation in one or both states or, alternatively, argue that other factors were of equal or more importance in one or both states. Each colonial empire may be considered separately or a thematic approach may be used if candidates choose to address the impact of a range of factors on the candidates’ chosen colonial empires.
Question
Discuss the methods used to maintain power in two colonial states.
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans:
Candidates will offer a considered and balanced review of the methods used to maintain power in two colonial states. While the focus of the response must be within the timeframe of this topic, the two states chosen need not be contemporaneous and they may or may not be chosen from the same region. Additionally, the colonial states/territories chosen may have been ruled by the same, or different, colonial powers. Candidates will avoid discussion of how power was gained unless it directly affects the methods that were employed after colonial power had been established. Methods to be considered may include administrative, political, religious, military, legal or cultural. Candidates may choose to follow a comparative approach, organized around methods, or they may choose to discuss the two societies separately.