Global Studies terms

  1. Representative Democracy – A government in which the people have control indirectly through elected representatives 

  2. Monarchy – A form of government which is led by a hereditary ruler such as a king or a queen 

  3. Dictatorship – A government where the leader has great power, often due to control of the military, and rules with little to no regard for the wishes of the people

  4. Theocracy – A government run by religious leaders and based on religious principles 

  5. Aristocracy – The social class made up of people who inherit their wealth and position 

  6. Absolutism - A government in which the leader(s) hold complete power

  7. Collective security--the cooperation of several countries in an alliance to strengthen the security of each.

  8. Constitution – A written document that describes the structure of a nation’s government and basic governing laws and principles 

  9. Enlightenment – A time period in which philosophers questioned the role of government, religion, and existing beliefs

  10. Tradition – People or societies whose lives and customs change little over time and are handed down over time 

  11. Censorship – Limited or controlled access to information by a government 

  12. Industrialism – A movement to machine-made materials and products and the growth of factories 

  13. Natural Resources – A valuable material that provides a profit 

  14. Imperialism – One country gaining control of other areas of the world for its own benefit

  15. Empire – A nation whose power extends to territories throughout the globe

  16. Colony – Areas of the world that have been taken over by a more powerful nation

  17. Exploitation – When a group or nation uses another group or nation for its own benefit 

  18. Capitalism – An economic theory in which the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit 

  19. Communism – An economic theory in which the means of production are owned by the community as a whole, providing all with equal opportunity

  20. Socialism – An economic theory in which the means of production are owned by the government, but private property may exist 

  21. Proletariat – The working class, including peasants and factory workers

  22. Bourgeoisie – The middle class, consisting of merchants, professionals, and factory managers 

  23. Liberal – One who favors progressive reform through legal means 

  24. Conservative – One who favors preserving the existing system through legal means 

  25. Radical – One who favors extreme change and may use illegal means to achieve his or her goals  

  26. Reactionary – One who may use illegal means in order to return to a previous condition  

  27. Moderate - One who takes a middle-of-the-road attitude towards issues and favors limited, gradual change  

  28. Urban – A city-like environment 

  29. Rural – An agricultural environment 

  30. Infrastructure – Networks of transportation and communication such as roads, bridges, and tunnels

  31. Development – The movement of a nation from a traditional to a modern society 

  32. Nationalism – Devotion to a national group or to one’s country 

  33. Propaganda – The presentation of biased information 

  34. Self-determination – The belief that a country or a group or people have a right to rule themselves 

  35. Mandate – An order from a government or international organization 

  36. Charter – A written document that describes the structure and guiding principles of a nation or international organization

  37. Armistice – A temporary peace settlement 

  38. Reparations – Payments for destruction and death caused by war

  39. Fascism – A form of government that greatly controls its people and nation through propaganda, military force, and an emphasis on nationalism

  40. Genocide – The attempted elimination of a group of people due to their race, religion, and/or ethnicity

  41. Revolution – Attempts to overthrow a form of government 

  42. Appeasement – To concede to the demands of another 

  43. Unification – The joining of two or more territories

  44. Totalitarianism – A form of government that seeks to control all aspects of the people’s lives 

  45. Isolationism – The belief that a country should remain independent from international relations  

  46. Diplomacy – International negotiations  

  47. Command economy – An economic system in which the government controls the economy

  48. Market economy – An economic system where consumer choice controls the economy 

  49. Humanitarian – An individual or organization that seeks to help others in need