Ideology Key Terms

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to political and economic ideologies.

aristocracy

The wealthiest members of the nobility; usually the largest landowners.

ballot

A system of secret voting. Votes are put into a 'ballot box'.

bourgeoisie

A French term meaning the 'middle class'. Sometimes used as an insult.

capitalism

An economic system in which the economy of a country is based around the private ownership of the means of production for profit.

censorship

The prohibition of speech and writing which is seen as too controversial.

communism

An economic and political system in which the state owns the means of production.

conservative

As a political ideology conservatism favours free enterprise and traditional values and institutions.

constitution

A set of rules, institutions and traditions which provide the framework for how a country is run.

democracy

A system of government in which the electorate is able to vote for their choice of government at regular intervals.

dictator

A person who rules a nation without allowing elections or a free press.

(The) Enlightenment

A period in the eighteenth century when radical new ideas emerged about science, religion, government and philosophy.

extremism

The holding of extreme political and/or religious views which most society does not accept.

fascism

An extreme right wing political ideology which glorifies the nation, frequently putting forward racist views.

feudalism

A hierarchical social and economic system in which people worked for nobles in return for protection and land.

ideology

A set of political or religious beliefs.

left wing

A political ideology which favours greater social and economic equality through the redistribution of wealth.

liberal

A moderate political ideology which avoids the political extremes and believes in the rights of the individual.

militant

Someone who takes direct action for their political beliefs

monarch

A head of state who is a king or queen.

proletariat

The industrial working class.

propaganda

Information produced by a government designed to influence people's opinions.

right wing

A political ideology which favours free enterprise and is socially conservative.

socialism

A left wing ideology which favours the redistribution of wealth through taxation.