Key terms & definitions

Deliberately breaking a law or refusing to obey an official requirement as a form of protest.

Deliberately refusing to obey a law considered unjust, often openly and peacefully as a form of protest.

Deliberately breaking the law to challenge an injustice or press for change.

A person who is not a member of the armed forces.

A person who is not a member of the armed forces.

People who are not members of the armed forces.

A person who is not taking part in fighting, but may nevertheless suffer death, captivity, displacement or bereavement during war.

The organised life of a society, including its institutions, shared knowledge, culture and ways of living together.

In the Odyssey, an ideal of ordered social life involving shared customs, respect for the gods and humane treatment of others; material wealth alone does not establish it.

Law concerned with resolving disputes between individuals, businesses or other organisations and protecting their rights.

Freedoms such as freedom of speech, conscience, assembly and association, which protect people’s ability to express beliefs and organise.

Basic freedoms, such as freedom of speech, freedom of the press and protection against arbitrary arrest.

A basic freedom, such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly or association, that protects people from unjustified interference.

A legally recognised partnership distinct from marriage.

A legally recognised relationship that gives partners legal rights and responsibilities.

Rights protecting people's equal treatment and participation in society, including access to education, employment and voting.

The body of government staff who support the government of the day by advising on policy, implementing decisions and delivering public services.

Organisations and groups outside government and business through which people act together, such as charities, voluntary groups and community organisations.

A war between opposing groups within the same country.

A struggle between armies belonging to the same country or political community. At Philippi, Romans fight other Romans.

A war between opposing groups within the same state. At Actium, rival Roman leaders fought for control of the Roman world.

A Roman administrative community based on a territory and its people, often corresponding to a former tribal territory in Britain.

A statement presented as true that needs to be considered alongside the evidence supporting it.

A person who argues that they have a right to a position, such as the throne.

A person or organisation bringing a civil claim.

A declaration that a ruler or state has the right to govern a territory; it does not necessarily mean that effective control has been established.

A Highland social group organised around a chief and ties of family and loyalty. Chiefs could exercise authority over land, followers and local justice.

Four parliamentary acts passed between 1661 and 1665 to enforce Anglican conformity and restrict religious dissent.

A social grouping distinguished by its access to wealth, power and status. Animal Farm develops a division between privileged rulers and animals whose labour supports them.

A grouping of people who share a similar market situation and therefore similar economic opportunities.