Fripp Final exam Vocab 2025 Fall

Vocab flashcards

theocracy

A system of government in which priests rule in the name of a god or a deity, often combining religious and political authority.

Secularism

The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, promoting a neutral stance on religious matters in governance.

aristocracy

A form of government in which power is held by the nobility or privileged ruling class, often based on hereditary titles or land ownership.

patriarchy

A social system in which men hold primary power, dominating roles in political leadership, moral authority, and control of property.

ideology

A system of beliefs, values, and ideas that shapes the way individuals and groups understand the world and their place in it.

atheism

The absence of belief in gods or deities, often characterized by a rejection of religious doctrines.

monotheism

one god

polytheism

multiple gods

plutocracy

government controlled by the wealthy

meritocracy

government based on merit

tyrant

someone who uses their power cruelly or unjustly

despotism

when a leader has total and unlimited power

dictatorship

one ruler or small group of people hold absolute power

elite

small group within society that hold disproportionate amounts of: power, wealth, influence, or education

geopolitics

study of how a country’s geography affect it’s political power

feudalism

medieval system where land was exchanged for loyalty and service

common law

legal system based on precedents and past court decisions. Judges interperet previous actions taken to make their decision.

magna carta

historic document saying no one is above the law

due process of law

government must follow fair established legal procedures

habeas corpus

legal protection to make authorities prove imprisonment is lawful

divine right

belief that a monarch has the god given right to rule

constitutional monarchy

when a king or queen is restricted by the constuitution and is not above the law

parliment

legislative body made of elected representatives; for making taxes approving laws, and representing people’s interests.

inductive reasoning

method that draws conclusions from evidence

empiricism

knowledge comes from experience and observation

political democracy

form of government where citizens have the right to vote. and be a part of political decision making.

Coup d’etat

the illegal overthrow of the government using force