AP World History: How States Maintain Power and Key Terms

A set of practice flashcards covering the strategies used by rulers to maintain power and key vocabulary terms from Periods $$4$$ and $$5$$, including economic systems and labor structures.

What is the European concept of "Divine Right"?

The belief that rulers are chosen by God to maintain legitimacy.

What is the "Mandate of Heaven" in Chinese history?

The belief that a ruler is chosen by heaven but can lose power if they fail.

Which three regions are characterized as "Gunpowder Empires" that used firearms to expand?

The Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal empires.

What was the historical purpose of China's civil service exams?

To create merit-based officials for a centralized administration, ensuring efficiency and stability.

How did rulers utilize art and architecture to maintain power?

As propaganda in the form of portraits, monuments, and giant palaces to show power and influence public opinion.

In the context of mercantilism, what defines the wealth of a country?

The accumulation of gold and silver.

When did the Columbian Exchange begin?

After $1492$.

What were common goods and elements transferred from the Old World to the New World?

Horses, wheat, and disease.

What New World crops were introduced to the Old World, leading to population growth in Europe?

Potatoes and corn.

What was the primary advantage of joint-stock companies like the British East India Company?

They reduced risk for investors, which increased exploration and led to the creation of trade empires.

How does indentured servitude differ from chattel slavery?

Indentured servitude is temporary labor provided in exchange for passage, while chattel slavery is a permanent, dehumanizing, and inherited system.

In which region was the "Casta system" used to define social hierarchies?

Latin America.

Who was the primary figure of the Protestant Reformation and what were its major effects?

Martin Luther; it led to a split in Christianity, weakened the Catholic Church, and caused religious wars.

What is the practice of "primogeniture"?

A system where the oldest son inherits everything to keep wealth in families and maintain social hierarchy.

What is a "diaspora," and what is a specific example mentioned in the notes?

The scattering of people from their homeland; an example is the African diaspora resulting from the slave trade.

What does the term "syncretism" refer to in a cultural context?

The blending of cultures or religions, such as the mixing of Christianity and African beliefs in the Americas.