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  A sovereign state whose citizens or subjects are relatively homogeneous in factors such as language or common descent
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  Henry II uses accepted customs to lay the foundation for the English legal system
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  In 1179 Philip II became king of France in stead of appointing nobles to fill government positions Philip paid middle-class officials who would owe their loyalty to him
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  King John was forced to sign the Magna Carta (great charter) and it did 2 important things. 1) forced monarchs to obey the laws and 2) gave nobles rights, that were later extended to all free-men
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  In 1226 Louis IX became King of France A deeply religious man Louis persecuted heretics or those who held beliefs contrary to church teachings Louis did do much to improve royal government he expanded royal courts
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  King Edward I expands Parliament to include representatives of common people as well as lords and clergy