Social Science: Rise of Empire and Types of Governments Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Chapter 5 (Rise of Empire) and Chapter 9 (Types of Governments).

Ashokan Edicts

Inscriptions written on rocks and pillars providing information about Ashoka's Dhamma, administration, welfare activities, and views on religion and society.

Trade Guilds

Organizations that helped organize traders and craftsmen, regulate trade, and protect their members' interests.

Indika

A book written by Megasthenes describing India, its people, society, administration, cities, agriculture, and customs.

Chanakya

An important historical figure who played a key role in establishing the Mauryan Empire and authored the Arthashastra.

Ashoka's Dhamma

A set of moral principles promoting peaceful living, respect for elders and teachers, kindness, tolerance, and non-violence.

Dhamma Mahamatras

Officials appointed by Emperor Ashoka to spread the principles of Dhamma throughout the empire.

Lion Capital at Sarnath

A finely polished stone capital built during the Mauryan period that serves as India's national emblem.

Government

The system that manages a country, making rules and providing services.

Representative

A person chosen to act or decide for others.

Constitution

A book of basic rules for running a country.

Universal Adult Franchise

The right of every citizen aged 18 years and above to vote without discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or wealth.

Independent Judiciary

Courts that work separately from other government parts to protect rights.

Republic

A government with an elected head, not a king.

Monarchy

A government led by a king or queen.

Oligarchy

A government where a small, powerful group rules.

Accountability

The government's responsibility to answer to the people.

Sovereign

A government's independent power, free from outside control.

Democracy

A form of government in which the people elect their representatives to govern the country.

Direct Democracy

A system of democracy where people make decisions directly, suitable for small communities such as Ancient Athens.

Representative Democracy

A system of democracy where people elect representatives to make decisions, suitable for large countries such as India.

Theocracy

A form of government in which religious leaders rule according to religious laws.

Dictatorship

A form of government in which one person or a small group has complete power.

Legislature

The organ of government responsible for making laws.

Executive

The organ of government responsible for implementing laws.

Judiciary

The organ of government responsible for interpreting laws and protecting citizens' rights.