Test review- Terms Flashcards
Government
The governing body of a nation, state, or community.
Democracy
Ruled by the people
Monarchy
A monarch, such as a king or queen, rules a kingdom or empire.
Direct Democracy
A form of democracy in which the people themselves, rather than elected representatives, determine the laws and policies by which they are governed.
City-State
An independent city which has its own government, completely separate from nearby countries
Natural Laws
A theory that claims that humans are born with a certain moral compass that guides behaviors.
Republic
A country where power is held by the people or the representatives that they elect
Senate
A group of elected people who decide the laws of the country. Every U.S. state elects two people to represent them in the US Senate.
Constitutional Monarchy
The monarch’s power is limited by a constitution
Absolute Monarchy
Rule by a king or a queen whose actions are restricted neither by written law nor by custom
“Philosopher Kings”
A theoretical ruler who combines philosophical knowledge with political skill and power.
Aristotle-Rule of Law
No one is exempt from the law, even those who are in a position of power
Magna Carta
The first document to put into writing that the king and his government are not above the law
Declaration of Independence
An official act taken by all 13 American colonies in declaring independence from British rule
Stamp Act
Made to raise money to pay for the army through a tax on every piece of printed paper they used
US Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments, certain freedoms are guaranteed to all Americans
Enlightenment Despot
A ruler with absolute power who embraces Enlightenment ideals, and chooses to use their absolute power to better the lives of average citizens.
English Bill of Rights
Established the principles of frequent parliaments, free elections and freedom of speech within Parliament (limits monarchs power)
Glorious Revolution
A bloodless revolution that took place 1685-1689 and removed King James II from England’s throne
Divine Right
Kings derived their authority from God and could not therefore be held accountable for their actions by any earthly authority such as a parliament
Enlightenment
an intellectual movement in the eighteenth century that emphasized reason and science
