PART ONE — First Civilizations & Classical Era (to 500 CE) Chapters 1–3 Vocabulary

AP World History: Modern — Vocabulary Study Sheet Aligned to Ways of the World Chapters

Civilization

Complex society with cities, specialization, and

hierarchy

State

Centralized political authority

Empire

Large political unit ruling diverse peoples

Patriarchy

System where men hold primary power

Bureaucracy

Government with specialized departments

Caste system

Rigid hereditary social hierarchy in India

Confucianism

Chinese philosophy stressing order & filial piety

Daoism

Belief in harmony with nature

Legalism

Strict rule through laws & punishments

Hinduism

Religion based on dharma, karma, reincarnation

Buddhism

Religion focused on ending suffering

Filial piety

Respect for elders & parents

Scholar-gentry

Educated elite running Chinese bureaucracy

Mandate of

Heaven

Divine approval for rulers