Question

which of the following statements is true?

a.) many english aristocrats feared that james ii would become too powerful and restore catholicism to england.

b.) american colonists felt loyal to james ii, who relaxed the navigation acts and permitted a higher degree of self-governance.

c.) james ii feared england becoming too similar to france, so he based his style of leadership on the opposite of the french kings.

d.) english whigs, who were strong supporters of parliament, nevertheless embraced the rule of james ii.

Explanation:

Analyze the reign of James II

King James II of England (reigned 1685–1688) was an avowed Roman Catholic who sought to expand royal prerogative and promote Catholicism in a predominantly Protestant nation. His actions, such as suspending laws against Catholics and appointing them to high office, deeply alarmed the Protestant political establishment.

Evaluate option A

English aristocrats and political leaders feared that James II aimed to establish an absolute monarchy modeled on Catholic France and restore Catholicism as the state religion. This fear directly led to the Glorious Revolution of 1688, where he was deposed in favor of his Protestant daughter Mary and her husband, William of Orange. Thus, statement (a) is historically accurate.

Evaluate option B

James II did not relax the Navigation Acts or permit self-governance. Instead, he consolidated the northern colonies into the Dominion of New England in 1686, stripping them of their traditional charters, assemblies, and local self-governance under the strict rule of Sir Edmund Andros. Therefore, statement (b) is false.

Evaluate option C

James II admired the absolute rule of his cousin, King Louis XIV of France, and sought to emulate French-style absolutism rather than oppose it. Therefore, statement (c) is false.

Evaluate option D

The Whigs were a political faction that strongly opposed absolute royal power and Catholic succession. They were central in orchestrating the removal of James II from the throne, rather than embracing his rule. Therefore, statement (d) is false.

Answer:

• (a) Many English aristocrats feared that James II would become too powerful and restore Catholicism to England. (Correct answer)
• (b) American colonists felt loyal to James II, who relaxed the Navigation Acts and permitted a higher degree of self-governance.
• (c) James II feared England becoming too similar to France, so he based his style of leadership on the opposite of the French king's.
• (d) English Whigs, who were strong supporters of Parliament, nevertheless embraced the rule of James II.