Prolouge -Vocab. Flashcards
Direct democracy
A government in which citizens rule directly rather than through representatives
Aristocracy
A government which power is in the hands of a hereditary ruling class or nobility
Republic
A form of government in which power is in the hands of representatives and leaders are elected by the people
Natural laws
Patterns and explanations of the world discovered through reason and intelligence; used by the Greeks in place of superstition and traditional explanations of the world
Judaism
The monotheistic religion of the Hebrews
Prophet
A spiritually inspired leader or teacher believed to be a messenger from god
Christianity
The monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus, begun in the first century AD
Renaissance
A period of European history, lasting from about 1300 to 1600, during which renewed interest in classical culture led to far-reaching changed in art, learning , and the views of the world
Reformation
A 16th century movement for religious reform, leading to the founding of Christian churches that rejected the Pope’s authority
Feudalism
A political system in which nobles are granted the use of lands that legally belong to their king, in exchange for their loyalty, military service, and the protection of the people who live on land
Magna Carta
“Great Charter”- a document guaranteeing basic political rights in England, drawn up by nobles and approved by king John in AD 1215
Due process of law
Administration of the law by proceeding according to established legal principles that protect individual rights
Parliament
A body of representatives that makes laws for a nation
Divine rights
The idea that monarchs are God’s representatives on Earth and are therefore answerable only to God
Glorious Revolution
The bloodless overthrow of English king James II and his replacement by William and Mary
English Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the US Constitution which protect citizen’s basic rights and freedoms
Enlightenment
An 18th century European movement in which thinkers attempted to apply the principles of reason and the scientific method to all aspects of society
Natural rights
The rights that all people are born with- according to John Locke, the rights of life, liberty, and property
Separation of Powers
The assignment of executive, legislative, and judicial powers to different groups of officials in a government
Tyranny
The corrupt form of kingship or absolute rule when a leader uses power to only benefit himself
Oligarchy
An aristocracy that governs for the benefit of the rich
Demagogues
A power seeker who gains influence by appealing to the emotions of the people
What were the Twelve Tables?
A collection of Romans laws that assured the citizens that they has the right to protection under the laws
Which year was the Magna Carta signed?
1215
