Untitled Flashcards Set

Medieval Period

Referred to as 'The Dark Ages' due to their intellectual darkness and barbarity.

Feudalism

A feudal system with ranks and classes serving the Monarchs and the Catholic Church.

Renaissance

A cultural rebirth involving the rediscovery of the teachings and ideologies of Ancient Greece and Rome.

English Civil War

A brutal and bloody time in history.

Protestant Reformation

A 16th-century upheaval against the Catholic Church that encouraged individual thought.

Enlightenment or Age of Reason

A time when thinkers emphasized faith in humanity over the church and monarchs, leading to societal growth and revolutions.

Humanism

A philosophical stance that emphasizes the value and agency of human beings, promoting critical thinking over acceptance of dogma.

Positive liberty

The freedom to act in ways that control one's life and realize fundamental purposes.

Negative liberty

The freedom from obstacles, barriers, or constraints.

Paternalism

The practice of one nation acting control over another, intended to look after its best interests.

Absolute monarchy

A form of monarchy where one ruler has supreme authority, not restricted by written laws or customs.

Divine Right of Kings

The belief that kings are appointed by God to rule.

Universal suffrage

The right for all individuals to vote, regardless of class or gender.

Feminism

The advocacy for equal standing of men and women.

Suffragists

Women who campaigned for the right to vote.

Separate spheres

The societal norms dictating gender roles, where men were breadwinners, and women were housewives.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

A 1789 document based on America’s Declaration, outlining basic liberties and the principle of due process.

Declaration of Independence

A 1776 document claiming that unalienable rights are the foundation of government.

Three types of Conservatives

Classical (right), Neo (far right, reactionary), and Modern (left, advocate for change).

Tall Poppy Syndrome

The phenomenon where successful individuals are criticized in a culture emphasizing egalitarianism.

Checks and Balances

A principle ensuring that the powers of government are separated to prevent abuse.

Tyranny of the Majority

A situation where the preferences of the majority override the rights and interests of the minority.

Liberty of the Ancients

Participatory liberty that allowed citizens to engage directly in governance.

Liberty of the Moderns

Limited direct participation requiring a representative government for citizens.

Social contract theory

The theory that posits individuals consent to form societies and governments.

Noblesse oblige

The obligation of the wealthy to care for the poor.

Two-thirds majority

A voting requirement where two-thirds of votes are needed to pass a measure.

Power of the purse

The ability to influence legislation or policy through budgetary control.