10 free sample questions with answers and explanations. See how you'd score on the real CLEP exam.
Who wrote 'Leviathan', a foundational work of modern political philosophy?
Explanation
Thomas Hobbes is correct because he wrote 'Leviathan' in 1651, applying social contract theory to argue that a strong central authority is necessary to maintain order and prevent the war of 'all against all' in the state of nature.
What was the significance of the '95 Theses'?
Explanation
A critique of the Catholic Church's indulgence practices is correct because Martin Luther's '95 Theses' challenged the sale of indulgences, arguing that it was not a genuine path to spiritual redemption, and thereby sparking the Protestant Reformation.
What was the main focus of Renaissance humanism?
Explanation
Classical Greek and Roman culture is correct because Renaissance humanists sought to revive and apply the knowledge, values, and artistic achievements of ancient Greece and Rome to their own time.
Who is known for 'The Republic'?
Explanation
Plato is correct because he wrote 'The Republic' around 380 BCE, exploring the nature of justice and the ideal society by applying philosophical reasoning.
What was the estimated population loss in the Holy Roman Empire as a result of the Thirty Years' War?
Explanation
30-40% is correct because the war caused widespread destruction, famine, and disease, leading to a significant decline in the population of the Holy Roman Empire.
The Peace of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years' War, established the principle of
Explanation
Sovereignty of states is correct because the Peace of Westphalia recognized the independence and autonomy of individual states, marking a significant shift towards the modern system of nation-states.
Who was the Swedish king that intervened in the Thirty Years' War on the side of the Protestants?
Explanation
Gustav II Adolf is correct because he led the Swedish army into Germany in 1630, significantly altering the balance of power in favor of the Protestants and becoming a key figure in the war.
Which of the following was a major consequence of the Thirty Years' War?
Explanation
A major decline in the power of the Holy Roman Empire is correct because the war weakened the Empire, leading to the rise of individual German states and the decline of Imperial authority.
What event triggered the Thirty Years' War?
Explanation
The Defenestration of Prague is correct because it sparked the conflict in 1618 by Protestant nobles throwing Catholic officials out of a window, leading to a wider war.
The Edict of Nantes, issued in 1598, granted rights to which minority group in France?
Explanation
Huguenots is correct because the Edict of Nantes, issued by King Henry IV, granted significant rights and protections to the Huguenots, who were French Protestants, allowing them to practice their faith freely and providing them with a measure of autonomy.