Question

According to Montesquieu, how did the rulers in Asia manage their subjects? Choose the most appropriate option from the following.

• A. By promoting private property
• B. By ensuring economic equality
• C. By exercising absolute authority
• D. By decentralizing powers to leaders

Hint:

When studying Montesquieu's theories on governance, remember that he categorized different forms of rule, with despotism being characterized by centralized, absolute control.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Montesquieu, in his work The Spirit of the Laws, discusses different forms of government and how rulers manage their subjects. He observed that rulers in Asia, particularly in despotic systems, often exercised absolute authority. In these systems, power was concentrated in the hands of a single ruler, and laws were enforced without consideration of individual freedoms or rights. This form of governance was vastly different from the more liberal forms of government Montesquieu admired in Europe, where checks and balances were encouraged.
Explanation of Other Options:
- Option (A): Montesquieu did not emphasize private property as the primary means of managing subjects in Asia. This concept was more relevant in European thought regarding individual rights and governance. - Option (B): Economic equality was not a major focus in Montesquieu's analysis of Asian rulers; rather, he highlighted the absolute control over the subjects. - Option (D): Montesquieu did not view decentralization of power as a characteristic of Asian rulers; rather, he noted that Asian rulers centralized their power.
Conclusion:
Thus, the correct answer is (C), as Montesquieu believed that rulers in Asia managed their subjects by exercising absolute authority.