World - Unit 1 Vocabulary

Foundations of Democracy & Revolutions

democracy

government by the people

The Enlightenment

a movement in the 18th century that advocated the use of reason in the reappraisal of accepted ideas and social institutions

freedom

the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without restraint

government

the institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies

legislation

the act of making or enacting law

liberty

freedom of choice

monarchy

a government ruled by a king or queen

natural rights

the idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property

oligarchy

a small group of people having control of a country, organization, or institution

oppression

prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control

philosopher

a person who searches for wisdom or enlightenment

philosophy

a system of beliefs and values

revolution

a forcible overthrow of a government or social order in favor of a new system

tyranny

a form of government in which the ruler is a cruel and oppressive dictator