Untitled Flashcard Set
Q: What is bureaucracy?
A: A system of government where officials run departments and enforce laws.
Q: Who are pastoralists?
A: Nomadic herders who moved with animals; often lived in steppes and connected regions through trade and conflict.
Q: What does agrarian mean?
A: Relating to farming or rural, agriculture-based life.
Q: What does circa (c.) mean?
A: Latin for “around”; used to approximate dates.
Q: What was the Neolithic Revolution?
A: Transition from hunting/gathering to agriculture (c. 10,000 BCE).
Q: What were the demographic effects of the Neolithic Revolution?
A: Larger populations, permanent settlements, and urban growth.
Q: What were the social effects of the Neolithic Revolution?
A: More social hierarchy, gender inequality, and specialized jobs.
Q: What were the environmental effects of the Neolithic Revolution?
A: Deforestation, irrigation systems, soil depletion.
Confucianism & Other Chinese Thinkers
Q: What are the basic principles of Confucianism?
A: Filial piety (respect for parents), order through hierarchy, education, and moral leadership.
Q: Where did Confucianism begin and how did it impact society/government?
A: Originated in China during the Zhou dynasty; it shaped family structure, guided bureaucracy, and inspired the civil service exam system.
Q: Who was Confucius and what did he teach?
A: Chinese philosopher (551–479 BCE); taught that harmony comes from respect, proper roles, and moral rulers; believed education builds virtue.
Q: Who was Laozi and what is Daoism?
A: Laozi founded Daoism; taught harmony with nature, simplicity, and following the Dao (“the Way”) instead of rigid laws.
Q: Who was Han Feizi and what is Legalism?
A: Philosopher of the Qin era; argued humans are selfish and need strict laws and punishments; emphasized strong state control.
Q: Who was Siddhartha Gautama and what is Buddhism?
A: The Buddha; taught the Four Noble Truths (life = suffering, caused by desire, end desire through Eightfold Path) to reach nirvana.
Hinduism & Buddhism
Q: What are the major precepts of Hinduism?
A: Dharma (duty), karma (actions affect rebirth), samsara (reincarnation), moksha (liberation), caste system.
Q: What are the major precepts of Buddhism?
A: Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, nirvana (end of suffering), rejection of caste system.
Q: How do Hinduism and Buddhism differ?
A: Hinduism supports caste and rituals; Buddhism rejects caste and focuses on personal enlightenment.
Q: Who were the important leaders of the two Indian dynasties?
A: Maurya: Chandragupta (unified India), Ashoka (spread Buddhism).
Gupta: Chandra Gupta I & II (golden age, Hindu revival).
Q: What are the basic beliefs of Hinduism?
A: Polytheistic faith, caste hierarchy, dharma, karma, reincarnation, goal of moksha.
Q: From which civilization did Hinduism originate?
A: The Indus Valley Civilization, later shaped in India.
Q: How did Hinduism impact society and government?
A: Reinforced caste roles, guided rulers through dharma, and shaped Indian law codes.