Multiple Cholce Questlon How did Louis XIV exert control over the French government? O by funding grandiose building projects across the kingdom by giving prized government positions to powerful aristocratic families place by maintaining a standing army that acted on his direct orders.

Louis XIV, often known as the "Sun King," employed several strategies to centralize and consolidate his control over the French government. Among the options provided, the most effective methods he used include: 1. **Funding Grandiose Building Projects Across the Kingdom:** - **Versailles Palace:** One of the most notable examples, the construction of the Palace of Versailles served not only as a royal residence but also as a tool to display his absolute power and grandeur. By attracting the nobility to Versailles, Louis XIV could monitor and control them more effectively, reducing their ability to challenge his authority. 2. **Maintaining a Standing Army That Acted on His Direct Orders:** - **Military Control:** By establishing and maintaining a professional standing army, Louis XIV ensured that the military remained loyal directly to him rather than to feudal lords or other potential rivals. This military strength was crucial for both domestic control and foreign policy initiatives. 3. **Centralizing Government Functions:** - **Bureaucratic Reforms:** Louis XIV reorganized the administrative structure of France, placing trusted ministers and officials in key positions to oversee various aspects of governance. This centralization minimized the influence of regional powers and increased the efficiency of the government under his direct supervision. While **giving prized government positions to powerful aristocratic families** might seem like a method to maintain control, Louis XIV was more interested in limiting the power of the nobility by keeping them dependent on his favor and presence at Versailles. This strategy prevented any single noble family from becoming too powerful or independent. **In summary, the primary ways Louis XIV exerted control over the French government were:** - **Funding grandiose building projects across the kingdom** - **Maintaining a standing army that acted on his direct orders** These methods ensured his absolute authority and centralized governance in France. **Correct Answers:** - **By funding grandiose building projects across the kingdom** - **By maintaining a standing army that acted on his direct orders**