Enlightenment

Constitutional Monarchy

A system where a king or queen has inherited the right to rule but has limited power from laws made by parliament.

Pros of Constitutional Monarchy

People have a say in the political leaders in parliament, and the monarch has limited power.

Cons of Constitutional Monarchy

The head of state is inherited, and acts of parliament require the monarch’s signature.

Democracy

A system where leaders are voted on by the people, and representatives have limited power.

Pros of Democracy

People get a say in the government, with guaranteed rights and liberties for all citizens.

Cons of Democracy

Disagreements on how much individual freedom should be given up, and lengthy voting processes.

Dictatorship

A form of government where a dictator makes all laws and suppresses any opposition.

Pros of Dictatorship

Fast decision making and lower crime rates.

Cons of Dictatorship

Limited speech, press, and religion; unchecked power; tensions between government and the people.

Absolute Monarchy

A system where the monarch has an inherited right to rule with unlimited power.

Pros of Absolute Monarchy

Fast decision making and well-funded arts.

Cons of Absolute Monarchy

Unchecked power could lead to corruption or tyranny; people have no say.

Oligarchy

A form of power structure where a few individuals share power, typically gained through wealth or military.

Pros of Oligarchy

Greater access to information and communication; political skill development.

Cons of Oligarchy

Reduced economic growth and increased government corruption.

Age of Enlightenment

A cultural movement focused on reason, science, and individual rights, challenging traditional authority.

Natural Rights

Inherited and inalienable rights that all citizens have and should not be violated.

State of Nature

A condition of chaos without rules or laws to structure society.

Social Contract

An agreement between the government and the people for protections in exchange for certain freedoms.

Hobbes

A philosopher known for the idea that people are born cruel; advocated for a strong government to impose order.

Locke

A philosopher championing Natural Rights and limited government, with citizens' right to revolt against broken contracts.

Montesquieu

A thinker advocating for separation of powers and checks and balances in government.

Rousseau

A philosopher who believed government should reflect the general will of the people.

Wollstonecraft

An advocate for women's rights and education, promoting equality with men.

Voltaire

A thinker known for advocating religious freedom and judicial reform; critical of the Catholic Church.

Diderot

An Enlightenment thinker who compiled the Encyclopedia and challenged traditional views on government.