Question

how did the northern renaissance contribute to the political developments begun by the italian renaissance?
it strengthened criticisms of religious thinking.
it added an emphasis on classical philosophy.
it reinforced ideas about the importance of the individual.
it demonstrated the value of artistic contributions to government.

Explanation:

The Northern Renaissance, like the Italian Renaissance, emphasized humanism. Humanism focuses on the importance and potential of the individual. This idea was already present in the Italian Renaissance (e.g., in art and literature that celebrated human achievements). The Northern Renaissance reinforced this concept through its own art (e.g., portraits that highlighted individual features and personalities), literature (works that explored individual experiences and thoughts), and intellectual pursuits.

Criticisms of religious thinking (first option) were more associated with later movements like the Protestant Reformation (though there were some religious critiques in Renaissance works, it wasn't the main political - related contribution in line with what the Italian Renaissance started regarding political developments). The emphasis on classical philosophy (second option) was more of an Italian Renaissance hallmark (looking back to Greek and Roman philosophical texts). Demonstrating the value of artistic contributions to government (fourth option) is too narrow as the impact was more about the ideological shift towards the individual rather than just art in a political - administrative sense.

Answer:

It reinforced ideas about the importance of the individual.