Definition and meaning of Treaty of Velasco

Treaty of Velasco

Velasco, a port located at the mouth of the Brazos River, was one of the first three towns in Texas in 1821. Santa Anna was captured during the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836, and forced to sign the Treaty of Velasco. Under the terms of the treaty, he agreed to stop fighting the Texans, recognized the independence of Texas, and agreed to withdraw all Mexican troops from Texas. The treaty was never ratified in Mexico.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Biosphere

Biosphere - [World Geography]

The biosphere is the realm of Earth which includes all plant and animal (including humans) life forms. The biosphere is divided into very large ecosystems (termed biomes) made up of specific plants and animals. Examples of biomes include forests, grasslands, and savanna.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Innovation

Innovation - [World Geography]

There are two meanings to innovation. An innovation can be thought of as an original, idea or invention, such as transistor radios or hybrid corn. Innovations can also be the changes that take place within a culture that result from ideas which are created within the culture group itself and subsequently adopted by that culture. The rate at which a new idea spreads (diffuses) through a society is termed the rate of innovation. After the Industrial Revolution dramatic increases in innovation began to alter cultures throughout the world.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Treaty of Velasco

Treaty of Velasco

Velasco, a port located at the mouth of the Brazos River, was one of the first three towns in Texas in 1821. Santa Anna was captured during the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836, and forced to sign the Treaty of Velasco. Under the terms of the treaty, he agreed to stop fighting the Texans, recognized the independence of Texas, and agreed to withdraw all Mexican troops from Texas. The treaty was never ratified in Mexico.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

Also see these pages:  Social Studies, Social Studies Sitemap, History, History Sitemap

Definition and meaning of Innovation

Innovation - [World Geography]

There are two meanings to innovation. An innovation can be thought of as an original, idea or invention, such as transistor radios or hybrid corn. Innovations can also be the changes that take place within a culture that result from ideas which are created within the culture group itself and subsequently adopted by that culture. The rate at which a new idea spreads (diffuses) through a society is termed the rate of innovation. After the Industrial Revolution dramatic increases in innovation began to alter cultures throughout the world.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Biosphere

Biosphere - [World Geography]

The biosphere is the realm of Earth which includes all plant and animal (including humans) life forms. The biosphere is divided into very large ecosystems (termed biomes) made up of specific plants and animals. Examples of biomes include forests, grasslands, and savanna.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Secularism

Secularism - [World History]

The view that the present well-being of mankind should predominate over religious considerations in civil or public affairs is termed secularism. In common usage, the term means indifference to or rejection of religious ideas. Secularism has increased in the 20th century as more people worldwide have exercised their right to choose whether to worship in an organized religion. It has seemed to coincide with "modernization" of societies through industrialization and urbanization; traditional, conservative, and rural societies have tended to resist secularism and remain bound to their religious affiliations. It has caused some traditions to change. Until relatively recently in the United States, all stores and businesses were closed on Sunday, a day reserved for religious celebrations. Today, shopping centers and other businesses are open. Some view this as an example of secularism.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Secularism

Secularism - [World History]

The view that the present well-being of mankind should predominate over religious considerations in civil or public affairs is termed secularism. In common usage, the term means indifference to or rejection of religious ideas. Secularism has increased in the 20th century as more people worldwide have exercised their right to choose whether to worship in an organized religion. It has seemed to coincide with "modernization" of societies through industrialization and urbanization; traditional, conservative, and rural societies have tended to resist secularism and remain bound to their religious affiliations. It has caused some traditions to change. Until relatively recently in the United States, all stores and businesses were closed on Sunday, a day reserved for religious celebrations. Today, shopping centers and other businesses are open. Some view this as an example of secularism.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

Also see these pages:  Social Studies, Social Studies Sitemap, History, History Sitemap

Definition and meaning of Humanism

Humanism - [Psychology]

Humanistic psychology is an approach which stresses the uniqueness of the individual. Humanists concentrate on the value, dignity, and worth of each person and they study how people realize their unique potential through personal responsibility, freedom of choice, and authentic relationships. Following are two approaches to humanist therapy. Person-centered therapists assume that the client/patient is capable and good but that many people measure themselves against the standards of others. Person-centered therapists help clients "find themselves" which helps the client reach their full potential without depending on outside motivation. Existential therapy helps individuals come to terms with their independence and isolation in the world, and helps them accept responsibility for their lives.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Citizenship

Citizenship - [Government]

A person with citizenship is legally recognized as citizen of a nation. Citizens may have equal rights under the law and have certain privileges and responsibilities as citizens. These differ from nation to nation. A citizen owes allegiance to his or her country and expects to be protected by his or her government and from unfair use of governmental power. The term citizen can have broader meanings. Students can be citizens of their classroom. Citizens can be natural born or naturalized. When naturalized, they vow their allegiance to their adopted country and sometimes cease being legal citizens of their homeland.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Humanism

Humanism - [Psychology]

Humanistic psychology is an approach which stresses the uniqueness of the individual. Humanists concentrate on the value, dignity, and worth of each person and they study how people realize their unique potential through personal responsibility, freedom of choice, and authentic relationships. Following are two approaches to humanist therapy. Person-centered therapists assume that the client/patient is capable and good but that many people measure themselves against the standards of others. Person-centered therapists help clients "find themselves" which helps the client reach their full potential without depending on outside motivation. Existential therapy helps individuals come to terms with their independence and isolation in the world, and helps them accept responsibility for their lives.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

Also see these pages:  Social Studies, Social Studies Sitemap, History, History Sitemap

Definition and meaning of Citizenship

Citizenship - [Government]

A person with citizenship is legally recognized as citizen of a nation. Citizens may have equal rights under the law and have certain privileges and responsibilities as citizens. These differ from nation to nation. A citizen owes allegiance to his or her country and expects to be protected by his or her government and from unfair use of governmental power. The term citizen can have broader meanings. Students can be citizens of their classroom. Citizens can be natural born or naturalized. When naturalized, they vow their allegiance to their adopted country and sometimes cease being legal citizens of their homeland.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Texas Constitution

Texas Constitution

The Convention of 1836 approved the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, and then spent two weeks drafting a constitution to guide the government of the new republic. They used the U.S. Constitution as a model in order to establish three branches of government with limited powers, protect individual rights, and promote the common good. The government was based on popular sovereignty, that is, the ultimate power rested with the people. This principle is a characteristic of democratic government. As part of the conditions of annexation in 1845 Texas voters approved a new constitution to govern the new state. In 1865, in compliance with President Andrew Johnson's plan for Reconstruction, Texas delegates convened another Constitutional Convention. They basically amended the 1845 Constitution, declared secession illegal, repudiated the state war debt, and ended slavery. Voters ratified the Constitution of 1866 on June 25. Another constitutional convention occurred between June 1868 and February 1869. The constitution granted more civil rights to blacks, increased the authority of the governor, and designated a public school system. The current Texas Constitution was adopted in 1876 and was modeled on the Constitution of 1845. The Constitution of 1876 limited the power of state government by reducing the governor's term to two years [since changed back to four years by constitutional amendment] and establishing a biennial legislative session.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Texas Constitution

Texas Constitution

The Convention of 1836 approved the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836, and then spent two weeks drafting a constitution to guide the government of the new republic. They used the U.S. Constitution as a model in order to establish three branches of government with limited powers, protect individual rights, and promote the common good. The government was based on popular sovereignty, that is, the ultimate power rested with the people. This principle is a characteristic of democratic government. As part of the conditions of annexation in 1845 Texas voters approved a new constitution to govern the new state. In 1865, in compliance with President Andrew Johnson's plan for Reconstruction, Texas delegates convened another Constitutional Convention. They basically amended the 1845 Constitution, declared secession illegal, repudiated the state war debt, and ended slavery. Voters ratified the Constitution of 1866 on June 25. Another constitutional convention occurred between June 1868 and February 1869. The constitution granted more civil rights to blacks, increased the authority of the governor, and designated a public school system. The current Texas Constitution was adopted in 1876 and was modeled on the Constitution of 1845. The Constitution of 1876 limited the power of state government by reducing the governor's term to two years [since changed back to four years by constitutional amendment] and establishing a biennial legislative session.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Bicameral Structure of Congress

Bicameral Structure of Congress - [Government]

Bicameralism is a political term describing the structure of a two-house legislative body. The U.S. Congress is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Bicameral Structure of Congress

Bicameral Structure of Congress - [Government]

Bicameralism is a political term describing the structure of a two-house legislative body. The U.S. Congress is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

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Definition and meaning of Gender Groups

Gender Groups - [Sociology]

The female sex differs from the male sex biologically. Other distinctions result from socialization. Sociologists use the term "gender" to refer to the distinctions constructed by society and culture. Members in a gender group share expectations as do members in any other social- or task-oriented group, but members in gender groups also share biological characteristics. Girls go to Girl Scout meetings and boys attend Boy Scout meetings. Yet, women are becoming increasingly involved as leaders of Cub Scouts, an organization founded to work with younger boys. 

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

Also see these pages:  Social Studies, Social Studies Sitemap, History, History Sitemap

Definition and meaning of Gender Groups

Gender Groups - [Sociology]

The female sex differs from the male sex biologically. Other distinctions result from socialization. Sociologists use the term "gender" to refer to the distinctions constructed by society and culture. Members in a gender group share expectations as do members in any other social- or task-oriented group, but members in gender groups also share biological characteristics. Girls go to Girl Scout meetings and boys attend Boy Scout meetings. Yet, women are becoming increasingly involved as leaders of Cub Scouts, an organization founded to work with younger boys. 

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

Also see these pages:  Social Studies, Social Studies Sitemap, History, History Sitemap

Definition and meaning of Liberal Democracy

Liberal Democracy - [Government]

A liberal democracy is a type of democracy based on the protection of individual rights and freedoms and on the consent of the governed to establish political authority. The term liberal derives from "liberty." A liberal government focuses on protecting individual rights from the tyranny of the majority. The term democracy derives from the Greek word for "rule by the people." A democracy is a form of government which exists for the good of the people as a whole. In a democracy, people provide authority to the government. The United States developed as a traditional liberal democracy and its Declaration of Independence joined the concepts of liberty and democracy by stating that: "All men are created equal" "they are endowed . . . with certain unalienable rights" governments are "instituted among men" and are therefore artificial people have a right to create a government to protect their rights governments are established for the limited purposes of securing individual rights authority is derived from consent of the governed people have the right to alter or abolish government when it fails to fulfill its purpose

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

Also see these pages:  Social Studies, Social Studies Sitemap, History, History Sitemap

Definition and meaning of Liberal Democracy

Liberal Democracy - [Government]

A liberal democracy is a type of democracy based on the protection of individual rights and freedoms and on the consent of the governed to establish political authority. The term liberal derives from "liberty." A liberal government focuses on protecting individual rights from the tyranny of the majority. The term democracy derives from the Greek word for "rule by the people." A democracy is a form of government which exists for the good of the people as a whole. In a democracy, people provide authority to the government. The United States developed as a traditional liberal democracy and its Declaration of Independence joined the concepts of liberty and democracy by stating that: "All men are created equal" "they are endowed . . . with certain unalienable rights" governments are "instituted among men" and are therefore artificial people have a right to create a government to protect their rights governments are established for the limited purposes of securing individual rights authority is derived from consent of the governed people have the right to alter or abolish government when it fails to fulfill its purpose

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

Also see these pages:  Social Studies, Social Studies Sitemap, History, History Sitemap