Since the postclassical period, feudal monarchy had defined Western politics.This finally came to an end when the power balance kept between king and nobles was undone in the 17th century. In many countries, after religious wars, monarchs had gained new powers; reducing the pressure from nobles and chances of revolt. France was the model for this new pattern, now the most important nation in the West. French kings steadily built up their power in …showed first 75 words of 464 total…

…showed last 75 words of 464 total…Locke and others arguest that power came from the people, not a divine mandate to rule. Kings therefore must be restrained by institutions that protect public interest including: general rights to freedom and property. Revolution could legimately oppose unjust rule. Overall, Western Europe developed two important new political forms, that of absolute and parliamentary monarchies. Feudal monarchy was a thing of the past, power was now moving to the king or to the people's representatives.