Vocabulary

Government

A ruling power in a political society that provides order to nation by making laws and decisions and resolving disputes

Democracy

A society characterized by government by consent, civic participation in government, the rule of law, and respect for human rights

Democratization

The process of creating a democratic society

Monarchy

A government ruled by a king, queen or emperor; where power is usually transferred within a family

Dictatorship

A government in which authority lies in one supreme ruler

Theocracy

A government in which authority lies in religious leaders and based on religious codes/laws

Aristocracy

The social class made up of people who inherit their wealth and position

Absolutism

A government in which the leader(s) hold absolute power

Natural Rights

Basic freedoms which all people are entitled to enjoy such as life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness

Republic

Government by elected representatives

Constitution

A document stating the basic principles of a nation, the powers and duties of the government, and the rights of the people

Legislature

Law-making group made up of elected officials

Suffrage

The right to vote

Conscription

Required enrollment in the military; draft

Radical

Favors extreme, sudden, or immediate changes by creating altered or new social system through violent or extreme means without considering outcomes

Moderate

Holds beliefs in between of liberal and conservative views

Liberal

Favors progressive reform through legal/peaceful means

Conservative

Favors traditional and seeks to keep in place economic, political, and social structures

Reactionary

Favors extreme change to restore earlier and more conservative society

Rule of Law

Everyone should be equal and not be above the law

Civil Rights

The government should provide special protections for groups that are or have historically been discriminated against

Liberty

The freedom to act without fear, hurting others, and government interference

Popular Sovereignty

The government should respect by listening and respond to needs such as free and fair elections

Social Capital

People have the right to organize and join groups and unions and challenge the government

Transparency

A government is open and honest with the public and people have the right to know what the government is doing

John Locke (1632-1704)

1. All men are free and equal at birth.
2. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the ownership of property.
3. Rulers receive the right to govern from the people, so unfair rulers can be forced from power.
4. Man is not born to be a good or evil person: he becomes one way or the other due to life experiences.

Charles de Montesquieu (1689-1755)

1. An absolute ruler is undesirable because one-person rule limits basic freedoms.
2. There should be “separation of powers” in government between executive, judicial, and legislative duties.
3. People accused of a crime are innocent until proven guilty.

Voltaire (1694-1788)

1. People should not be persecuted because of their religious beliefs.
2. An intelligent person does not blindly accept religious beliefs. He only follows those based on reason and common sense.
3. Liberty is important in society: freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and separation of church and state.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1788)

1. It is not right that some people are born into poverty, while others are born into wealth and privilege.
2. The rich should not enjoy special privileges.
3. Democracy is the best form of government since it allows people to control their own destinies.

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)

1. Women should have the same rights and opportunities as men, because they have the same intellectual capabilities.
2. When women are forced to stay at home, rather than pursuing education and employment, it prevents them from making important contributions to society.

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

1. People should think for themselves and not be ordered by others.
2. An immature person is one who blindly does what others tell him to do.
3. All people have natural intelligence and capabilities. The mature person is one who uses them.