The Origins of Democracy

Which of these statements best describes the Greek city-states? Each city-state had the same level of influence. Each city-state had the same social organization. Each city-state had its own form of government. Each city-state allowed all people to vote.

Each city-state had its own form of government.

Where did democracy begin? the Fertile Crescent Greek city-states the United States the Assyrian Empire

Greek city-states

In what way did ancient Athens influence the framers of the United States Constitution? All Athenians were allowed to vote. The legislative branch in Athens had two main bodies. The Council of 500 made all major decisions. Laws were made by the chief executive.

The legislative branch in Athens had two main bodies.

The most important way in which the Greeks influenced American democracy was by allowing city-states to follow their own form of government. citizens to participate in government. elected representatives to make all decisions. strong leaders to make all decisions.

citizens to participate in government.

A republic is a form of government where all citizens take an active role in decision making. military leaders represent the people. a chief executive makes all the decisions. elected officials represent the people.

elected officials represent the people.

Read the passage from Leviticus 19:15 in the Bible. You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor. Which principle of American government is reflected in this passage? republican form of government direct democracy separation of powers equality of all citizens

equality of all citizens

Because the framers of the United States Constitution were concerned about citizens having too much power, they banned citizens from voting. organized a system of consuls and magistrates. established a republic. created a system of city-states.

established a republic.

The Ten Commandments are a list of rules for organizing government. ensuring the separation of powers. living and worshiping. ruling an empire.

living and worshiping.

A benefit of a bicameral legislature is that it gives equal power to the men and women who hold key government positions. separates powers, keeping one body from gaining too much power. enables every citizen a chance to vote and make important decisions. gives all authority to a chief executive.

separates powers, keeping one body from gaining too much power.

Read the passage from a speech given by the Athenian leader Pericles. Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to be imitated than imitators ourselves. Its administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called democracy. If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences. . . . [C]lass considerations [are not] allowed to interfere with merit; nor again does poverty bar the way, if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition. Pericles claimed that the Athenian government, unlike other Greek city-states, favored its wealthy citizens. kept poor people from serving the state. imitated the laws of its neighbors. treated all its people fairly regardless of class.

treated all its people fairly regardless of class.