AP World Introductory Vocabulary List

A set of Question-and-Answer flashcards covering AP World introductory vocabulary terms.

What does B.C.E. stand for and what does it replace?

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

What is bureaucracy?

A large group of people involved in running a government who are not elected.

What does C.E. stand for and what does it replace?

Stands for Common Era and replaces the old A.D. designation.

What is a city-state?

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

What is democracy?

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

What is a dynasty?

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

What is an empire?

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

What is ideology?

A body of doctrine or belief for an individual or a group.

What is imperialism?

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

What does Indigenous mean?

Originating in a particular region; native.

What is a monarchy?

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

What is a nation-state?

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

What is an oligarchy?

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

What is a republic?

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

What is a tributary state?

A state that is subordinate to a more powerful neighbor.