History: Ancient Political Systems in States of Europe ( Middle Ages and Modern Period) 4003-202HKUPE

In medieval Europe the Byzantine Empire continuated the Late Roman political system and law. However, this Empire had a new purpose: protection of Christian religion and apostolate abroad. In political structure the Byzantine ruler had absolute power and used extended, hierarchical administrative machinery. In Latin Europe new German states received in majoraty the shape of elective monarchy with the important rights of free men In arms, assembled on meetings. Competence and real power of the rulers quickly grew and the significance of mass meetings diminished. Only In northern German countries, outside of the former Roman limits, representation of all free socjety had large competence during longer time . Majority of Europian states In early Middle Ages were fordem as patrimonial monarchies, in which the royal court was unique source of power and the territory submitted to ruler was recognized as his family property. In the second half of IX c. a feudal monarchy was shaped on the soil of Franconian state. The king had rights and duties of supreme seignior towards the most powerful vassals. The principle of mediatization changed these states into conglomeration of fief units. Feudal system was introduced
, only inside limits of Carolinian succession (France, Germany, northern and central Italy). Another territories were subjected by this system In result of conquist. The great part of northern, eastern and southern Europe never received this type of political and social structure. Monarchy of estate had more universal reach. It was structure of hierarchic and static socjety, but co-deciding about its destiny together with the elected or hereditary ruler. This system gave a possibility to prepare settlement among royal supreme power and competece of estate In financial, political and war affairs. There were created representative institutions of estate and separate jurisdiction of each estate. Deputies of higher estate had some influence on legislation. This model of monarchy was the place of arising of Europian national states. In modern times the hereditory absolute monarchies dominated, gone by a principle of sovereignity. In consequence we observe changing constelations of alliances and agreements In order to establish a balance of power. In western Europe many relicts of feudal system or estate institutions preserved, although only rulers had decisive power with assistance of well-prepared officials. Up to the French revolution of 1789 monarchy was recognized as natural order In accordare with God's will and eternal tradition.