Key Terms

Define liberalism

A political ideology emphasizing personal freedoms and limited government intervention.

Define the Enlightenment

A period of intellectual and cultural growth in the 27th and 18th centuries, valuing reason and science.

Define a authoritarian monarchy

Forms of governance where rulers wield absolute power without significant checks.

Define religious dogmas

Established and authoritative beliefs within a religeon.

What are individual rights?

Fundamental freedoms inherent to individuals, such as life and property.

What is a limited government?

Concept of restricting governmental powers to safeguard individual liberties.

Who was John Locke?

Philosopher known for natural rights, government by consent, and social contract theory.

Who is Thomas Hobbes?

Philosopher advocating strong central authority to maintain social order.

Who is Jean-Jacques Rousseau?

Thinker who explored the '“general will” and legitimacy through governed consent

Who is Adam Smith?

Economist and philosopher who formulated principles of free-market capitalism.

What are natural rights?

Inherent and inalienable rights, like life and liberty.

What is a representative democracy?

Political systems where citizens elect representatives to make decisions.

Define Tyranny

Abusive and oppressive use of power by a ruler or government.

What was the American Revolution?

Period of political upheaval leading to Thirteen Colonies’ independence from Britain.

What was the French Revolution?

Series of revolutionary events in France, causing significant political and social changes.

What are civil liberties?

Fundamental individual freedoms protecting citizens from government interference.

Define equality

Principle of treating all individual fairly, irrespective of characteristics.

What is the rule of law?

Concept that all individuals and institutions are accountable under the law.