Which of the following was a power of the Anglo-Saxon English monarchy?

• A. The king created new laws and ensured they were enforced.
• B. The king minted gold coins exclusively.
• C. The king granted freedom from taxes to his loyal followers.
• D. The king restricted his laws to the capital only.

Answer: (A)

In Anglo-Saxon England, the king was the chief lawmaker and enforcer across the realm. He could create new laws and ensure they were carried out through royal officials, sheriffs in each shire, and the royal council, showing his overarching authority over how society was governed. That capacity to legislate and see laws implemented is why this option best reflects the king’s powers. The other ideas don’t fit the pattern of royal authority as clearly: coinage did involve royal oversight but isn’t typically described as an exclusive claim in this context; exemptions from taxes were special privileges rather than a regular royal power; and laws applied to the whole kingdom rather than being confined to the capital.