Foundational Vocab

Question 1

Assimilation

Answer 1

Merging of cultural traits from previously distinct cultural groups; to adopt the ways of another culture

Question 2

Artisans

Answer 2

A person skilled in a particular craft; one who uses traditional methods to create items

Question 3

Autonomous

Answer 3

Self-governing; independent; subject to its own laws. Independent of others and possessing a large degree of self government.

Question 4

Bureaucracy

Answer 4

A system of departments and agencies formed to carry out the work of government. Often a highly respected position.

Question 5

Centralization

Answer 5

The concentration of administrative power in a central government or authority

Question 6

Circa

Answer 6

About; especially used in approximate dates

Question 7

Codify

Answer 7

To catalogue or organize a set of laws, rules, etc. to a specific code

Question 8

Cultural diffusion

Answer 8

The spreading of ideas or products from one culture to another

Question 9

Culture

Answer 9

A people’s unique way of life, as shown by its tools, customs, art, and ideas.

Question 10

Decentralization

Answer 10

To reorganize a government or industry into smaller, more autonomous units

Question 11

Deforestation

Answer 11

The clearing of trees, transforming a forest into cleared land

Question 12

Demography

Answer 12

The study of the size, growth, density, and other characteristics of human populations

Question 13

Desertification

Answer 13

The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or destructive agriculture

Question 14

Diaspora

Answer 14

Any group that has been dispersed outside its traditional homeland, especially involuntarily, as Africans during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade

Question 15

Doctrine

Answer 15

A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a religion or government

Question 16

Egalitarian

Answer 16

Asserting, resulting from, or characterized by belief in the equality of all people, especially in political, economic, or social life

Question 17

Elite

Answer 17

A group of persons exercising the major share of authority or influence within a larger group

Question 18

Epidemic

Answer 18

Outbreak of a contagious disease that spreads rapidly and affects many people at the same time

Question 19

Gender

Answer 19

Sexual identity, especially in relation to society or culture

Question 20

Indigenous

Answer 20

Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place

Question 21

Interregional

Answer 21

Of, involving, or connecting two or more regions

Question 22

Intraregional

Answer 22

Within a region

Question 23

Manifesto

Answer 23

A public declaration of intentions, opinions, objectives, or motives issued by a government, sovereign, or organization

Question 24

Religion

Answer 24

Belief system that holds that divine powers control the environment and people’s futures

Question 25

Sedentary

Answer 25

Settled, not migratory

Question 26

Social hierarchy

Answer 26

Referring to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into divisions of power and wealth within a society

Question 27

Static

Answer 27

Showing little change characterized by little movement or progression

Question 28

Syncretism

Answer 28

Combination of different cultures (religion, art, etc.) resulting in a unique culture

Question 29

Transregional

Answer 29

The exchange of goods, services, culture, and traditions across political and geographic boundaries