Glossary of Terms: Absolutism, Revolution, and Society

Glossary of Terms

Political and Social Concepts

• Absolutism: The three powers (legislative, judicial, and executive) are controlled by a single person.
• Tax: A percentage of money paid to the government/king, which is then used for public spending.
• Separation of Powers: In a democracy, governmental power is divided among separate branches: judicial, legislative, and executive.
• Estate: A territory that is politically independent of another community.
• Human Actions: Conscious behaviors aimed at achieving specific goals and objectives.
• Tithe: A historical tax, typically 10%, paid to the church or ruler.
• Constitution: Establishes the separation of powers and ensures its implementation.
• Divine Rights: The belief that a monarch's authority comes directly from God and is not subject to earthly limitations.
• Revolution: A change in political power and organization that occurs when the population revolts against the government.
• Ancient Regime: The system of government in France before the French Revolution.
• Voting Age: The age at which individuals are legally allowed to vote.
• Suffrage: The right to vote.
• Census or Restricted Suffrage: Limited voting rights based on criteria such as property ownership or wealth.
• Enlightenment: An intellectual and philosophical movement emphasizing reason and individualism.
• Sovereignty: The full right and power of a governing body to rule itself without external interference.
• Revolt: Synonymous with revolution.
• Failure: The state or condition of not achieving a desired or intended goal.
• Success: The achievement of a desired or intended goal.
• Nationalism: The belief that certain groups, such as ethnic groups, should have the right to self-govern and be independent.
• Liberalism: A political and philosophical ideology based on liberty and individual rights.
• Carlism: A political movement in Spain that sought to establish an alternative branch of the Bourbon dynasty.
• Census Suffrage: A system where votes cast by eligible voters are not equal in value.
• Constitutional Monarchy: A system of government where a country is ruled by a king or queen whose power is limited by a constitution.

Economic and Social Change

• Enclosure: The process of fencing off large fields and consolidating them under the control of a few private owners.
• Communal Lands: Land owned and managed collectively by a community.
• Workforce: The group of people who are available for work.
• Landlord: A person who owns and rents out land, buildings, or accommodations.
• Colonial Power: A wealthy or powerful nation that maintains or extends control over other countries.
• Agricultural Revolution: A period of technological advancements and increased crop productivity in Europe during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
• Class Struggle: Conflict arising from social and economic inequalities between different classes in society.
• Working Class: The social group consisting of people who earn a living through manual labor or industrial work.
• Trade Union: An organization formed to protect and advocate for the rights and interests of workers.
• Profits: Financial gains earned by businesses or individuals.
• Employers: Individuals or organizations that hire and employ workers.
• Strike: A work stoppage organized by workers to protest against working conditions or employer policies.
• Child Labour: The employment of children, typically in industrial settings, often under exploitative conditions.
• Fine (to): A penalty imposed for violating rules or regulations.
• Welfare: The well-being and social support provided to individuals or communities, often by the state.
• Anarchism: A political philosophy advocating for a society without government or hierarchical authority.