Social Structures of Ancient Rome and Feudalism

Social Classes in Ancient Rome

• Patricians: Wealthy upper class, consisting of landowning aristocrats who held political power in the Roman Republic.
• Plebeians: Common people of the Roman Republic, had limited rights compared to the patricians but gradually gained more political influence.

Political Concepts

• Feudalism: A hierarchical system for land management where powerful lords allocate land to lesser lords in exchange for loyalty and military service.
• Sovereignty: An unwritten rule within Congress that assigns leadership roles (such as committee chairmanship) based on seniority and length of service.
• Legitimacy: The general belief that a government possesses the right to create and enforce public policies, essential for political stability.
• Divine right of Kings: A doctrine asserting that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, legitimizing their rule.

Economic Theories

• Colonialism: The practice of one nation exerting control over foreign territories, often for resource acquisition and economic gain.
• Mercantilism: An economic theory prioritizing the accumulation of monetary wealth as a source of national power, emphasizing government regulation of the economy to achieve favorable trade balances.

Enlightenment Thinkers

• Francois-Marie Arouet (Voltaire): Influential Enlightenment philosopher advocating for reason, religious freedom, and scientific thought; known for extensive works across multiple genres, often while in exile from France.
• William Blackstone: Notable English judge who authored a foundational series on English law, significantly influencing American legal thinking, particularly in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution protecting individual rights.