AP World Introductory Vocabulary List

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Page 1 of the AP World introductory vocabulary list.

B.C.E.

Stands for 'Before Common Era'; replaces the old B.C. designation.

Bureaucracy

Large group of people who are involved in running a government but are not elected.

C.E.

Stands for 'Common Era'; replaces the old A.D. designation.

City-state

A sovereign state consisting of an autonomous city with its dependencies.

Democracy

A form of government in which the supreme power is held by the people, usually exercised indirectly through representation and delegated authority that is periodically renewed.

Dynasty

Family of rulers who rule over a state for a long period of time.

Empire

A political construct in which one state dominates over another state, or a series of states.

Ideology

Body of doctrine or belief for an individual or a group.

Imperialism

The practice of a nation forcefully imposing its rule or authority over other nations.

Indigenous

Originating in a particular region; native.

Monarchy

Supreme power held by one person and passed on through family heirs.

Nation-state

A sovereign state inhabited by a relatively homogeneous group of people.

Oligarchy

Form of government in which all power is in the hands of a few people.

Republic

A state where the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to select representatives to represent them.

Tributary State

A state that is subordinate to a more powerful neighbor.