One reason the Church was powerful under Norman rule was that it

• A. It managed estates and was closely involved in the economy, including collecting taxes.
• B. It ignored economic activity.
• C. It had no legal influence.
• D. It never influenced the king.

Answer: (A)

The Church’s power under the Normans came largely from its wealth and organizational reach. It owned extensive estates and was deeply involved in the economy, collecting tithes and other revenues that provided a stable income. This financial muscle allowed the church to fund buildings, clerical salaries, and political activities, making it a major economic and political force in the kingdom. In addition, church institutions—bishops, abbots, and monasteries—often wielded legal authority through canon law and church courts, giving them formal influence in governance. Religious leaders also sat in royal councils and could support or oppose kings, sometimes using excommunication or papal influence to sway decisions. Because of these economic resources and political connections, the Church emerged as a powerful partner and check within Norman rule.

These other statements don’t fit because the church was not passively inactive; it was a central economic player. It did have legal influence through its own courts, and it did influence the king at times through formal and informal channels.