Intro Vocab List (ECHS)

B.C.E.

Stands for “Before Common Era” and 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” and 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 retained by the people, but is usually exercised indirectly through a system of representation and delegated authority 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 homogenous 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.