Classical Governments

Empire

A group of states or territories controlled by one ruler

Democracy

government by the people

Republic

A form of government in which citizens choose their leaders by voting

Oligarchy

A government ruled by a few powerful people

Tyranny

A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator

Monarchy

A government ruled by a king or queen

Consul

An elected official who led the Roman Republic

Senate

In ancient Rome, the supreme governing body, originally made up only of aristocrats.

Dictator

a leader who speaks and rules with total power

Plebeian

In Ancient Rome, a member of the common people

Patrician

In ancient Rome, a member of the privileged upper class.

Reform

to change for the better

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 protection of the people who live on the land

Medieval Period

term used to describe time after the fall of Rome