| absolute monarchy |
is a form of monarchy in which the sovereign is the sole source of political power, unconstrained by constitutions, legislatures or other checks on their authority. |
| enlightened absolutism |
refers to the conduct and policies of European absolute monarchs during the 18th and early 19th centuries who were influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment, espousing them to enhance their power. |
| natural rights |
rights that are not dependent on the laws or customs of any particular culture or government, and so are universal, fundamental and inalienable |
| federalism |
a mode of government that combines a general government (the central or federal government) with regional governments (provincial, state, cantonal, territorial, or other sub-unit governments) in a single political system, dividing the powers between the two. |
| taille |
a tax formerly levied by a French king or seigneur on his subjects or on lands held of him |
| bourgeoisie |
a class or group of people with social behavior and political views held to be influenced by private-property interest |
| Sans-culottes |
an extreme radical republican in France at the time of the French Revolution |
| elector |
a person qualified to vote in an election |
| coup d’etat |
the violent overthrow or alteration of an existing government by a small group |
| consulate |
one of three chief magistrates of the French republic from 1799 to 1804 |
| nationalism |
an ideology that elevates one nation or nationality above all others and that places primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations, nationalities, or supranational groups |
| conservatism |
a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing the importance of established hierarchies and institutions (such as religion, the family, and class structure), and preferring gradual development to abrupt change |
| principle of intervention |
the concept that major European powers have the right to intervene in the affairs of other countries to maintain stability and order |
| liberalism |
such a philosophy calling for the government to play a crucial role in relieving social inequities (such as those involving race, gender, or class) and in protecting the environment, and often including the aims of social liberalism |