Enlightenment Vocabulary

Enlightenment

Period in 18th century when many writers and scientists began to argue that reason was more important than tradition

Natural Rights

The rights that humans have by nature: life, liberty, and property

Separation of Powers

The division of power into separate branches

Social Contract

Agreement between people and their government to limit their rights to create a organized society

Absolute Rule

King or Queen who has unlimited power

Consent of the Governed

Idea that the government exists because the people have agreed to obey laws

Humanism

Belief that humans are good and can use reason to solve their problems

Limited Government

Theory where the government only has power that is listed in a written constitution

Self-Determination

Freedom to decide which form of government is best

Free-Market Economy

System in which supply and demand determine prices

Government Regulation

The standards that determine what people, businesses, and organizations are allowed to do

Laissez Faire

Policy that allows businesses to develop without government control

Mercantilism

Policy used by countries to sell more goods than they bought