AP Government & Politics - Political Philosophers & Origins of the New Nation

Ecclesia

The main democratic institution in ancient Athens where all male citizens over 18 participated in decision-making.

Archons

High-ranking officials in Athenian government, initially from noble families, later selected by lot to promote democracy.

Dikasteria

Athenian courts where citizens served as jurors, embodying direct justice through large juries.

Democracy

A system where citizens vote directly on laws and policies, as seen in ancient Athens.

Republic

A government emphasizing minority rights through laws and a constitution, exemplified by the Roman Republic and modern U.S.

Consuls

Two elected leaders in ancient Rome who served as executive heads of government with limited terms.

Senate

An advisory body in Rome made up of aristocrats that gained influence over time, controlling finances and foreign policy.

Autocracy

A government ruled by a single individual with absolute power, such as a monarchy or dictatorship.

Oligarchy

A government controlled by a small elite group, often based on wealth or military power.

Patricians

The aristocratic class in ancient Rome that held most political power early in the Republic.

Plebeians

The common people of Rome who fought for greater rights and representation over time.

Mob Rule

The feared outcome of direct democracy where decisions are made based on emotion rather than reason.

Athenian Democracy

The decline of Athenian democracy due to external threats and internal strife, leading to its fall.

Roman Republic

The collapse of the Roman Republic due to political corruption, economic inequality, and military conflicts.

Aristotle

A philosopher advocating for a constitutional government and warning against extreme democracy and tyranny.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher who described the state of nature as brutal and advocated for a strong ruler through a social contract.

John Locke

Philosopher who believed in natural rights and the government's role in protecting them, influencing the Declaration of Independence.

Common Law

A legal system based on court decisions and precedents rather than written statutes, evolving in medieval England.

Magna Carta

A 1215 document establishing that the king is subject to the law, influencing modern democratic principles.

Glorious Revolution

The 1688 bloodless overthrow of King James II, which limited monarchy powers and strengthened Parliament.

English Bill of Rights

A 1689 document that established parliamentary supremacy and protections for citizens.

Virginia House of Burgesses

The first elected legislative body in the American colonies, marking the beginning of representative government.

Proclamation of 1763

A British decree forbidding colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent conflicts with Native Americans.

Sugar Act

A 1764 tax on sugar and molasses that sparked colonial resistance due to lack of representation in Parliament.

Stamp Act

A 1765 direct tax requiring a stamp on printed materials, leading to widespread protests and the Stamp Act Congress.

Committees of Correspondence

Shadow governments formed by patriots to coordinate resistance and foster colonial identity.

2nd Continental Congress

The governing body during the Revolutionary War that appointed George Washington and declared independence.

Townshend Acts

1767 laws imposing duties on imported goods, provoking anger over taxation without representation.

Intolerable Acts

1774 punitive laws that united the colonies in opposition to British control following the Boston Tea Party.

Olive Branch Petition

A 1775 attempt by the colonies to avoid war by affirming loyalty to the crown and seeking resolution.

Common Sense

A 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine advocating for American independence and criticizing monarchy.

Declaration of Independence

A 1776 document outlining the colonies' reasons for separation from Britain, influenced by Locke's philosophy.

Unalienable Rights

Rights inherent to all individuals, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the Declaration.