What does the term oral history refer to

Oral history refers to history passed down through word of mouth instead of being written down.

Explanation:

Before writing came along many tribes and even civilizations had no way of writing things down. They would tell stories, laws, and other things through speaking.

basic principles: federalism, separation of powers, checks and balances, judicial review, representative democracy, limited government, rule of law, individual rights and responsibilities, consent of the governed, majority rule, popular sovereignty, equal protection.