Global Studies terms

What is Representative Democracy?

A government in which the people have control indirectly through elected representatives.

What defines a Monarchy?

A form of government which is led by a hereditary ruler such as a king or a queen.

What characterizes a Dictatorship?

A government where the leader has great power, often due to control of the military, and rules with little to no regard for the wishes of the people.

What is a Theocracy?

A government run by religious leaders and based on religious principles.

Define Aristocracy.

The social class made up of people who inherit their wealth and position.

What does Absolutism refer to?

A government in which the leader(s) hold complete power.

What is Collective security?

The cooperation of several countries in an alliance to strengthen the security of each.

What is a Constitution?

A written document that describes the structure of a nation’s government and basic governing laws and principles.

What was the Enlightenment?

A time period in which philosophers questioned the role of government, religion, and existing beliefs.

What does Tradition mean in a societal context?

People or societies whose lives and customs change little over time and are handed down over time.

Define Censorship.

Limited or controlled access to information by a government.

What is Industrialism?

A movement to machine-made materials and products and the growth of factories.

What are Natural Resources?

A valuable material that provides a profit.

What is Imperialism?

One country gaining control of other areas of the world for its own benefit.

Define an Empire.

A nation whose power extends to territories throughout the globe.

What is a Colony?

Areas of the world that have been taken over by a more powerful nation.

What does Exploitation refer to?

When a group or nation uses another group or nation for its own benefit.

What is Capitalism?

An economic theory in which the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit.

Define Communism.

An economic theory in which the means of production are owned by the community as a whole, providing all with equal opportunity.

What is Socialism?

An economic theory in which the means of production are owned by the government, but private property may exist.

Who is referred to as the Proletariat?

The working class, including peasants and factory workers.

Who is included in the Bourgeoisie?

The middle class, consisting of merchants, professionals, and factory managers.

What does it mean to be a Liberal?

One who favors progressive reform through legal means.

Define a Conservative.

One who favors preserving the existing system through legal means.

What defines a Radical?

One who favors extreme change and may use illegal means to achieve his or her goals.

What is a Reactionary?

One who may use illegal means in order to return to a previous condition.

Define a Moderate.

One who takes a middle-of-the-road attitude towards issues and favors limited, gradual change.

What does Urban refer to?

A city-like environment.

What does Rural mean?

An agricultural environment.

What is Infrastructure?

Networks of transportation and communication such as roads, bridges, and tunnels.

What does Development mean in societal terms?

The movement of a nation from a traditional to a modern society.

Define Nationalism.

Devotion to a national group or to one’s country.

What is Propaganda?

The presentation of biased information.

What does Self-determination mean?

The belief that a country or a group of people have a right to rule themselves.

What is a Mandate?

An order from a government or international organization.

Define a Charter.

A written document that describes the structure and guiding principles of a nation or international organization.

What is an Armistice?

A temporary peace settlement.

What are Reparations?

Payments for destruction and death caused by war.

Define Fascism.

A form of government that greatly controls its people and nation through propaganda, military force, and an emphasis on nationalism.

What does Genocide refer to?

The attempted elimination of a group of people due to their race, religion, and/or ethnicity.

What is a Revolution?

Attempts to overthrow a form of government.

Define Appeasement.

To concede to the demands of another.

What is Unification?

The joining of two or more territories.

What does Totalitarianism mean?

A form of government that seeks to control all aspects of the people’s lives.

What is Isolationism?

The belief that a country should remain independent from international relations.

Define Diplomacy.

International negotiations.

What is a Command economy?

An economic system in which the government controls the economy.

Define Market economy.

An economic system where consumer choice controls the economy.

What does it mean to be Humanitarian?

An individual or organization that seeks to help others in need.