Democratic Revolutions Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards based on the study guide on democratic revolutions, political philosophers, and foundational legal documents.

Magna Carta

A document signed by King John in 1215 to limit his power, guaranteeing rights such as a trial and due process.

Charles I

English king who angered Parliament by imprisoning nobles without reason and taxing citizens.

English Civil War

A war fought between King Charles and his supporters against Parliament, which won.

Oliver Cromwell

The ruler of England after the Civil War but before the Restoration.

Habeas corpus

A legal principle signed by Charles the II allowing the right to a free court appearance.

Glorious Revolution

A period lasting from 1688 to 1689 that limited monarchy power, established the English Bill of Rights, and turned England into a limited monarchy.

Intolerable acts

The name given by American colonists to the Stamp, Sugar, and Tea Acts.

Federal Republic

The type of government established by the American Constitution.

American Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments granting basic rights.

Renaissance

A period of rebirth of religion, art, beliefs, and intelligence.

Reformation

A movement that started to reform the Catholic Church and led to a widespread schism.

Causes of the Reformation

Corruption in the Church and the printing press.

Peace of Westphalia

Peace treaties signed in 1648 to end European war that established state sovereignty and weakened the Holy Roman Empire.

Niccolo Machiavelli

Author of The Prince who posited that rulers should be feared and loved.

John Locke

A 17th century philosopher and physician whose main ideas were freedom of religion and that people have the gift of reason.

Baron de Montesquieu

Famous 17th century French political philosopher who did not trust the people to govern.

Thomas Jefferson

President of the U.S.A. who wrote the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Hobbes

Famous 16th century philosopher and political thinker who advocated for absolute monarchy and believed people were naturally bad.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Swiss philosopher who believed people were naturally good and whose ideal form of government was direct democracy.