Absolutism and Revolution - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to Absolutism, Revolution, and related concepts.

Absolute Monarchy

A form of government in which a ruler has complete authority over the government and the lives of the people they govern.

Balance of Power

Distribution of military and economic power that prevents any one nation from becoming too strong.

Divine Right

The idea that a ruler's authority comes directly from God.

Constitutional (Limited) Monarchy

A government in which a constitution or legislative body limits the monarch's power.

Oligarchy

A government in which the ruling power belongs to a few people.

English Bill of Rights

A series of acts passed in 1689 by Parliament that limited the rights of the monarchy and ensured Parliament's superiority.

Natural Law/Natural Rights

Unchanging principles; rights that belong to all humans from birth, such as life, liberty, and property.

Social Contract

An agreement by which people surrender some freedoms to a powerful government to avoid chaos.

Free Market/Free Enterprise System

Limited government control; markets regulated by the laws of supply and demand.

Popular Sovereignty

A limited government based on separation of powers and checks and balances.

Federal Republic

A government where power is divided between the national government and the states.

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch can monitor and limit the actions of the others.

Estates

Social classes (1/2) in historical contexts.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class.

Faction

A group within a larger group that has different ideas and opinions from the rest.

Emigre

A person who flees their country for political reasons.

Suffrage

The right to vote.

Nationalism

A strong sense of pride and devotion to one's country.

Reign of Terror

The French Revolution period (Sept 1793–July 1794) marked by arrests and executions of those not supporting the revolution.

Plebiscite

A ballot in which voters have a direct say on an issue.

Abdicate

To give up or step down from power.

Annex

To add a territory to an existing state or country.