Political Terms Flashcards

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absolute monarchy

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An authoritarian governing system in which a hereditary ruler holds complete power until death. Part of speech: noun. Synonyms: dictatorship, autocracy, absolutism.

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aristocracy

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A high-ranking social class, having special privileges and influence, usually determined by heredity. Part of speech: noun. Synonyms: nobility, patricians.

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autonomy

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Freedom and independence; self-governance. Part of speech: noun. Synonyms: freedom, independence, liberty.

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bourgeoisie

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The middle class. Part of speech: noun. Synonyms: working class.

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capitalism

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An economic system where production and distribution are privately owned, with prices determined by competition in a free market. Part of speech: noun Word forms: capitalist, capitalists Synonyms: commercialism, competition, free market In a sentence: The individual's right to pursue material wealth with little interference from government is considered one of the defining principles of capitalism.

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citizen

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A person belonging by birth or naturalization to a political and geographic entity, especially a nation. Part of speech: noun Word forms: citizens, citizenry Synonyms: national, native, inhabitant In a sentence: His father emigrated from Russia in 1917 and became a French citizen.

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conservative

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A person who favors the traditional and opposes rapid change. Part of speech: noun Word forms: conservatives, conservatism Synonyms: traditionalist In a sentence: As a conservative, the minister was uncomfortable with the way he saw the church changing.

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constitution

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The set of basic laws and principles by which a nation, state, or other organization is governed. Part of speech: noun Word forms: constitutions, constitutional Synonyms: charter, code, common law In a sentence: They were forced to change the club's constitution so that women could be allowed membership.

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democracy

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A form of government in which power ultimately rests with the people, either directly or through elected representatives. Part of speech: noun Word forms: democracies, democratic Synonyms: republic In a sentence: The dictator was forced out of power and democracy was established.

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Enlightenment, the

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An eighteenth-century philosophical movement that emphasized the use of reason.