Enlightenment Vocabulary

Front

The idea of 'Checks and Balances' in the context of government is:

Back

A system that allows each branch of government to amend or veto acts of another branch.

Front

Who is an 'Enlightened Despot'?

Back

A ruler who embraces Enlightenment ideas and implements reforms.

Front

What does 'General Will' refer to?

Back

The collective desire of a community for the common good

Front

Who were the 'Philosophes' during the Enlightenment?

Back

A group of French intellectuals who promoted Enlightenment ideas

Front

What were 'Salons' during the Enlightenment period?

Back

Gatherings for intellectual discussion

Front

What is meant by 'Separation of Powers'?

Back

A system where power is divided among different branches of government

Front

The 'Social Contract' theory is a concept in political philosophy that suggests:

Back

Individuals consent to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of the ruler in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

Front

The 'Rule of Law' implies:

Back

Laws apply equally to all individuals.

Front

What is the 'State of Nature'?

Back

A philosophical concept describing life without government or laws

Front

The concept of 'Consent of the Governed' refers to the idea that a government's legitimacy and moral right to use state power is justified and legal only when derived from the people or society over which that power is exercised.

Back

A principle that government authority is derived from the consent of the people.