unit 1 ap world history

Feudalism

A decentralized political system where land was exchanged for military service and loyalty.

• Tributary System

System in which weaker states paid tribute to a stronger state in exchange for protection or trade access.

• Mandate of Heaven

Chinese belief that a ruler’s power depended on divine approval.

• Bureaucracy

A system of government run by trained officials rather than nobles.

• Confucianism

Philosophy emphasizing hierarchy, filial piety, and social harmony.

• Neo-Confucianism

Revival of Confucian ideas blended with Buddhist and Daoist concepts.

• Civil Service Exam

Exam used in China to select government officials based on merit.

• Dar al-Islam

Regions under Islamic rule.

• Sharia Law

Islamic legal system based on the Quran and Hadith.

• Caliphate

Islamic state led by a caliph, Muhammad’s successor.

• Patriarchy

Social system in which men hold primary power.