Midterm Study guide Flashcards
Define Separation of Powers
The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.
This concept is crucial in preventing abuse of power.
What is Direct Democracy?
A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly.
This contrasts with representative democracy, where elected officials make decisions.
Define Democracy
A system of government in which the citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives.
Democracies are characterized by fair and free elections.
What is Capitalism?
An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production.
Capitalism relies on market competition and consumer choice.
What were the Greek City States?
Independent cities, IE. Roseville, sac.
Major city-states included Athens and Sparta.
Who were the Hebrews?
An ancient people who were the source of the development of Judaism.
They are considered the ancestors of modern Jews.
What are ‘Philosopher Kings’?
Rulers who govern based on philosophical principles and wisdom, instead of blood.
Plato believed that only those who truly understand justice should rule.
Define Roman Law
The legal system of ancient Rome, which has influenced many modern legal systems.
It is known for concepts such as ‘innocent until proven guilty.’
What is the Social Contract?
An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits, such as protection and social order.
Key philosophers include Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.
Name the Three Branches of Government
- Legislative
- Executive
- Judicial
This division is essential for maintaining checks and balances in government.
What are Unalienable Rights?
Rights that cannot be taken away or denied, often cited as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
These concepts are foundational in American political philosophy.
Define Checks and Balances
A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by providing each branch with the means to limit the powers of the others.
This is a key principle in the U.S. Constitution.
What is a Monarchy?
A form of government with a monarch at the head.
Monarchies can be absolute or constitutional.
What is a Constitutional Monarchy?
A system of governance in which a monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution or legislative body.
Examples include the United Kingdom and Sweden.
What was the Stamp Act?
A law passed by the British Parliament in 1765 that imposed a tax on all printed materials in the American colonies.
It was one of the catalysts for the American Revolution.
What was the Tennis Court Oath?
A pledge made by members of the Third Estate in 1789 not to disband until a new constitution was established for France.
This event marked a pivotal moment in the French Revolution.
What is the First Estate?
The clergy in pre-revolutionary France, representing about 1% of the population.
They held significant power and privilege.
What is the Second Estate?
The nobility in pre-revolutionary France, making up about 2% of the population.
They also enjoyed many privileges and rights.
What is the Third Estate?
The common people of France, comprising about 97% of the population, including peasants, workers, and the bourgeoisie.
They were the primary force behind the French Revolution.
What was the Concert of Europe?
A system of alliances among European nations to maintain peace and stability after the Napoleonic Wars.
It aimed to prevent the rise of another powerful leader like Napoleon.
What was the Estates General?
A legislative assembly in pre-revolutionary France that represented the three estates.
It was convened by King Louis XVI in 1789.
Who was the First Consul?
A title held by Napoleon Bonaparte after he established himself as the leader of France.
This marked the beginning of his control over France.
What was the Congress of Vienna?
A conference held in 1814-1815 to restore order in Europe after the fall of Napoleon.
It aimed to redraw the map of Europe and establish a balance of power.
What was the Continental System under Napoleon?
An economic blockade against Britain aimed at weakening its economy by prohibiting trade with Europe.
It ultimately failed and harmed European economies.
What is the Napoleonic Code?
A civil code established by Napoleon that influenced legal systems worldwide.
It emphasized clearly written laws and the equality of all citizens.
What is a Steam Engine?
An engine that converts the energy of steam into mechanical work, crucial during the Industrial Revolution.
It powered factories and transportation.
What are Factories?
Buildings where goods are manufactured or assembled, central to the Industrial Revolution.
They allowed for mass production and increased efficiency.
What are Factors of Production?
- Land
- Labor
- Capital
- Entrepreneurship
These are the resources needed for the production of goods and services.
What are Labor Unions?
Organizations formed by workers to protect their rights and interests.
They advocate for better wages, working conditions, and benefits.
What is Collective Bargaining?
The process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements on working conditions.
It is a key function of labor unions.
When did the Storming of the Bastille happen?
July 14, 1789.
This event is often considered the start of the French Revolution.
What was the Reign of Terror?
A period during the French Revolution characterized by extreme political violence and mass executions.
Led by Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety.
When did the development of labor unions occur?
Primarily in the late 19th century.
This was a response to the poor working conditions of the Industrial Revolution.
When did the Glorious Revolution happen?
It resulted in the establishment of constitutional monarchy in England.
When did the American Revolution take place?
1775-1783.
This led to the independence of the thirteen American colonies from British rule.
When did the French Revolution begin?
It sought to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic.
When did the Agricultural Revolution occur?
Approximately 18th century.
It involved the transition to more efficient farming practices.
When did the Industrial Revolution take place?
From the late 18th to early 19th century.
It marked a major turning point in history with the shift to industrialization.
What was the Magna Carta?
A charter signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the king and laid the foundation for modern democracy.
It established the principle that everyone is subject to the law.
What did Aristotle’s Politics discuss?
The nature of political communities and the role of citizens in governance.
Aristotle emphasized virtue and the common good.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
A document adopted in 1776 declaring the thirteen colonies independent from British rule.
It articulated the principles of individual rights and government by consent.
What is the United States Constitution?
The supreme law of the United States, outlining the framework of government and fundamental rights.
Ratified in 1788, it established a federal system of government.
What was the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen?
A fundamental document of the French Revolution that outlines individual and collective rights.
It emphasized liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Who was Aristotle?
An ancient Greek philosopher who made significant contributions to many fields, including politics and ethics.
He is often referred to as the ‘Father of Western Philosophy.’
Who was John Locke?
A 17th-century English philosopher known for his theories on government and natural rights.
His ideas influenced the American and French Revolutions.
Who was Plato?
A philosopher in ancient Greece who founded the Academy and wrote works on ethics, politics, and epistemology.
He is known for his theory of forms.
Who was Baron de Montesquieu?
A French political philosopher known for his theory of the separation of powers.
His work ‘The Spirit of the Laws’ influenced modern democratic governance.
Who was Thomas Hobbes?
An English philosopher best known for his social contract theory and the work ‘Leviathan.’
He argued for a strong central authority to prevent chaos.
Who was Jean Jacques Rousseau?
A French philosopher known for his ideas on education and political philosophy, particularly the concept of the social contract.
His work ‘The Social Contract’ greatly influenced democratic thought.
Who was Thomas Jefferson?
An American statesman and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
He served as the third president of the United States.
Who was King Louis XVI?
The last king of France before the fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution.
He was executed by guillotine in 1793.
Who was Marie Antoinette?
The last queen of France, known for her extravagant lifestyle before the French Revolution.
She was also executed during the Reign of Terror.
Who was Maximilien Robespierre?
A leading figure in the French Revolution known for his role during the Reign of Terror.
He was eventually overthrown and executed.
Who was Napoleon?
A French military leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and became Emperor of the French.
He is known for his legal reforms and military conquests.
Who was Karl Marx?
A philosopher and economist known for his critique of capitalism and his theories on socialism and communism.
He co-authored ‘The Communist Manifesto.’
How many gods does Judaism and Christianity believe in?
One God.
Both religions are monotheistic.
Why did Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire?
Due to its appeal among the lower classes, the promise of eternal life, and the efforts of missionaries.
The Edict of Milan in 313 AD legalized Christianity.
Who established the legal system?
Various civilizations, with significant contributions from the Romans and later English common law.
Different cultures have developed their own legal systems over time.
Who could vote in Greece and Rome?
Free male citizens.
Women, slaves, and non-citizens were excluded from voting.
Where did the enlightenment thinkers get their ideas from?
From classical philosophy, scientific reasoning, and the study of human nature.
They emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of authority.
In a Democracy who does the government get power from?
The consent of the governed.
This principle is central to democratic theory.
The Declaration of Independence was based on whose ideas?
John Locke’s ideas on natural rights and government by consent.
Locke’s influence is evident in the document’s emphasis on individual rights.
Did other European leaders want revolution to spread to their country?
No, they feared the spread of revolutionary ideas.
Many sought to suppress revolutionary movements to maintain their power.
Why did people move to the cities during Industrialization?
For job opportunities in factories and better living conditions.
Urbanization was a major consequence of the Industrial Revolution.
