The Origins of American Democracy

Vocabulary flashcards covering the historical, religious, and philosophical foundations of American democracy.

Demokratia

A Greek term meaning literally "people power," used to describe some of the 1,500 city-states on the Black and Mediterranean Seas.

Poleis

Ancient Greek city-states located on the Black and Mediterranean Seas, serving as the root of the word politics.

Divine Right of Kings

A political theory articulated by Jacques-Benigne Bossuet (1627–1704) asserting that monarchies, as a manifestation of God's will, could rule absolutely without regard to the will or well-being of their subjects.

Protestant Reformation

A movement to reform the Catholic Church that began in October 1517 when German monk Martin Luther affixed his 95 Theses to a church door at Wittenberg Castle.

95 Theses

A document affixed to a church door at Wittenberg Castle in October 1517 by Martin Luther that criticized harmful practices of the Catholic Church.

Puritans

Extreme Protestants in England who believed the Reformation had not gone far enough and asserted their right to communicate directly with God through prayer rather than through an intermediary priest.

Mayflower Compact

An agreement drawn up by the Pilgrims in 1620 before reaching shore, which served as an early social contract establishing the consent of the governed.

Social Contract

An agreement between people and their leaders whereby the people give up some liberties so that their other liberties will be protected.

Consent of the Governed

The political principle established by the Pilgrims in the Mayflower Compact, where people agreed to be governed by the structure of government they created.

Enlightenment

A philosophical movement beginning in the late seventeenth century that stressed individuality, reason, and scientific endeavor.

Natural Law

The assertion that the laws governing human behavior are derived from human nature itself and can be applied universally.

Sir Isaac Newton

An Enlightenment scientist (1642–1727) whose work in physics, astronomy, math, and mechanics repudiated superstition and supported the concept of natural law.