world geography

study guide

Federalism

The geographical distribution of power between a central government and smaller local governments

Capitalism

An economy characterized by private or corporate ownership in which prices, production, and the distribution of goods are determined by competition in a free market

Socialism/Communism

a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state

State

A political entity-for our purposes can by synonymous with country

Nation

A people having a common origin, tradition, and language

Secular

Non-religious

Islam

The monotheistic religious faith based on the teachings of the prophet, Mohammad

Muslim

An adherent of Islam

Authoritatian

a form of government in which power is concentrated in a leader or an elite not constitutionally responsible to the people

Empire/imperialism

A state created by conquest of different territories and peoples

Coup d'etat

the violent overthrow or alteration of an existing government by a small group

Junta

A group of persons controlling a government as an oligarchy. Usually this term is applied when the leaders are all members of the military