James I of England (Essay Sample)

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James I of England and Duc de Saint-Simon's The Court of Louis XIV
Question 1
James I argues that Monarchs cannot be legally and justly overthrown. For his arguments to stand, he anchors them on the principles of faith. He observes that a monarchy is a divinely ordained institution. In addition, the hereditary right cannot be abolished and it would be unlawful and unjust to attack it. “The duty and allegiance, which the people swear to their prince, is not only bound to themselves but also to their lawful heirs and posterity, the lineal succession crowns being begun among the people of God and happily continued in divers Christian commonwealths.”
It is argued that Kings are only accountable to God. Any attempt to attack a monarchy would be rebelliousness towards God himself. Finally, the article suggests that subjects are charged by God and should not resist their monarch but passively obey him even if in their view he is wicked.
Question 2
Whereas God is the only one allowed to judge a king, justice is evasive because the king’s accountability only lies with God and it is him that should punish the King. “Now in this contract (I say) between the king and his people, God is doubtless the only judge, both because to him only the king must make a count of his administration…” In this situation, it is evident that it is impossible for God to overthrow a bad king by allowing a rebellion. The author backs this up by indicating that the King is still the one who plays God; therefore, making the possibility of punishment by giving a rebellion a mirage.
Question 3
According to the court of Louis XIV, the monarch employs very unethical tactics to remain in power. “His natural talents were below mediocrity; but he had a mind capable of improvement, of receiving polish, of assimilating what was the best in the minds of others without slavish imitation…” Despite his intentions being selfish, the author portrays him as one who could identify a junior staff absent in a function. “He was quick to notice the absence of those of inferior degree…If anyone habitually living at court absented himself he insisted on kno...