The Deserted Temple: Democracy's Rise and Fall

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the lecture on the rise and fall of democracy in Europe during the 20th century.

Democracy

A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.

Ancien Régime

The political and social system in France before the Revolution of 1789.

Constitution

A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.

Authoritarianism

A political system that concentrates power in a leader or an elite, not accountable to the people.

Fascism

A far-right authoritarian ultranationalist political ideology and movement characterized by dictatorial power and forcible suppression of opposition.

Proportional Representation

An electoral system in which parties gain seats in proportion to the number of votes they receive.

Liberalism

A political philosophy advocating the protection of individual rights and freedoms, democratic governance, and free-market economics.

Totalitarianism

A political system where the state recognizes no limits to its authority and seeks to regulate every aspect of public and private life.

Civil War

A war between groups within the same country, typically aiming to control the government or territorial disputes.

Bolshevism

A radical socialist ideology that represents the working class and was adopted by the Bolshevik Party in Russia.