Northern Italian City-States and Renaissance Political Background (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms related to the political and social dynamics of Renaissance Northern Italian city-states.

Commune

A sworn association of freemen in 12th-century northern Italy that sought political and economic independence from local nobles.

Popolo

The common people in the communes; they were franchised but had no voting rights, were heavily taxed, and sometimes used armed force to challenge power.

Oligarchy

Rule by a small group of powerful families within a city-state; rivalries among these families could destabilize government.

Signori

A one-man ruler in certain city-states; authority is held by a single lord, often hereditary from father to son.

Patron of the arts

Wealthy ruling families turned their households into political courts by hiring architects, artists, and musicians to display wealth.

Republic

A form of government where political power resides in the people and is exercised by chosen representatives.

Popolo uprising

The common people used armed force to take over city-state governments during the thirteenth century.

Papal States

Territories in central and northern Italy ruled by the pope, illustrating another power center besides the city-states.

City-state

An independent, self-governing urban center and its surrounding territory; examples include Venice, Milan, and Florence.