Ancien Regime
A system where the king or queen holds all the power
Absolute Monarchy
The belief that kings are chosen by God and have the right to rule
Divine Right of Kings
Changes made to improve laws, education, or society
Reforms
The ability to think logically and make decisions based on facts
Reason
the idea that religion and government should be separate
Secularism
Wealthy landowners with special rights
Nobility
The middle class, often wealthy but without noble titles
Bourgeoisie
A kind and wise ruler who makes reforms to improve society
Benevolent Despot
A thinker who uses reason to explore and question society, politics, and religion
Philosopher
The idea that governments get their power from the agreement of the people
Social Contract
The religious leaders of society
Clergy
The money that the common people had to pay to the king, nobles, and the rich
Taxes
Changes to the laws to make them more fair or efficient
Legal Reforms
Rights that every person has, such as life, liberty, and property
Natural Rights
The belief that the people, not kings, should hold the power in the government
Popular Sovereignty
Common people, including peasants and workers
Third estate
Special advantages or rights given to the nobility and clergy
Privileges
A government that makes decisions based on reason ad logic
Rational Government
The ability to make choices and act without control by others
Freedom
The belief in God who created the universe but does not interfere in human affairs
Deism
A system where peasants work for nobles in exchange for protection
Feudalism
The social classes
Estates
An economic policy that focuses on building the wealth of the state through trade and colonies
Mercantilism
the belief that all people should be treated the same under the law
Equality
the division of government into branches to prevent any one group from becoming too powerful
Separation of Powers