Enlightenment

Scientific Revolution

A time in the 1500s–1600s when people started using observation and reason to understand the world instead of only relying on the Church.

Heliocentric Theory

The idea that the sun is at the center of the universe, with the planets, including Earth, orbiting around it.

Galileo Galilei

A scientist who supported the heliocentric theory and used a telescope to study space.

Scientific Method

A step-by-step way to test ideas using experiments and observations.

Isaac Newton

A scientist who discovered the laws of motion and gravity.

Enlightenment

A period in the 1600s–1700s when people used reason to think about government, rights, and society.

Social Contract

The idea that people agree to follow laws in exchange for protection from the government.

John Locke

A thinker who said people have natural rights and that governments must protect those rights.

Natural Rights

Rights all people are born with, like life, liberty (freedom), and property.

Voltaire

A writer who fought for freedom of speech and religion.

Montesquieu

A thinker who said power in government should be split into parts so no one becomes too powerful.

Separation of Powers

Dividing government into branches (like executive, legislative, and judicial) to limit power.

Enlightened Despot

A ruler who used Enlightenment ideas to improve their country while keeping full control.

Catherine the Great

A Russian ruler who used some Enlightenment ideas to improve laws and education.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

A thinker who believed people were naturally good and should have a say in their government.

Copernicus

A scientist who first stated that the sun (not Earth) is the center of the universe.

Mary Wollstonecraft

A writer who argued that women should have equal rights and education.

State of Nature

A time before government existed, where people lived without laws or rules.

Consent of the Governed

The idea that governments get their power only if the people agree to be ruled.

Cesare Bonesana Beccaria

A thinker who argued that punishments should be fair and against torture and the death penalty.

Thomas Hobbes

A thinker who believed people are selfish and need a strong ruler to keep order.

Geocentric

The old belief that Earth is the center of the universe and everything goes around it.