Summer School Vocabulary List #1

Define: secular or secularism.

• Secularism is the principle of separating religion from government or other non-religious institutions.

• Secularism is the belief in the dominance of religious laws in government.

• Secularism is the practice of following only one religion strictly.

• Secularism is the rejection of all forms of government.

Define: religious tolerance.

• Religious tolerance is the acceptance of different religious beliefs and practices without persecution.

• Religious tolerance is the rejection of all religious beliefs except your own.

• Religious tolerance is forcing others to follow your religion.

• Religious tolerance is ignoring all religious practices.

Define: separation of powers (in relation to government/Montesquieu).

• Separation of powers is the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power, a concept developed by Montesquieu.

• Separation of powers is the merging of all government responsibilities into a single branch to increase efficiency, as suggested by Montesquieu.

• Separation of powers is the process of allowing the executive branch to control all aspects of government, according to Montesquieu.

• Separation of powers is the idea that only the judiciary should have authority over government decisions, as proposed by Montesquieu.

Define: social contract theory.

• Social contract theory is the idea that people give up certain freedoms to a government in exchange for protection of their remaining rights.

• Social contract theory is the belief that all laws are created by nature and not by humans.

• Social contract theory is the concept that governments should not interfere in the lives of citizens at all.

• Social contract theory is the idea that only monarchs have the right to rule.

Voltaire (where from? dates lived? known for what?)

• Voltaire was from France, lived from 1694 to 1778, and was known for his advocacy of freedom of speech, separation of church and state, and criticism of intolerance.

• Voltaire was from England, lived from 1723 to 1790, and was known for his work in economics and the theory of evolution.

• Voltaire was from Germany, lived from 1809 to 1882, and was known for his contributions to classical music and symphonies.

• Voltaire was from Italy, lived from 1452 to 1519, and was known for his paintings and inventions.

John Locke was from which country, lived during which years, and is known for what?

• England, 1632-1704, known for his work on political philosophy and the theory of mind

• France, 1712-1778, known for his work on social contract theory

• Germany, 1724-1804, known for his work on metaphysics and epistemology

• Italy, 1469-1527, known for his work on political realism

Divine Right is defined as:

• the belief that a ruler's authority comes directly from God

• the idea that rulers are chosen by the people

• the concept that laws are made by elected officials

• the belief that power is inherited through military conquest

Suffrage is defined as:

• the right to vote

• the right to free speech

• the right to own property

• the right to a fair trial

Absolutism in relation to government is defined as:

• A system where a ruler holds total power and authority over the government.

• A government where power is shared equally among all citizens.

• A system where religious leaders control the government.

• A government based on democratic elections and limited power.

The difference between an 'Enlightened despot' and a 'despot' is that:

• An Enlightened despot uses absolute power to bring about reforms for the good of the people, while a despot rules with absolute power without regard for reforms or the welfare of the people.

• A despot always rules democratically, while an Enlightened despot never does.

• An Enlightened despot has no power, while a despot has unlimited power.

• A despot is elected by the people, while an Enlightened despot is not.