The Origins of Democracy Questions
The Roman _____ was a form of government in which power was held by elected officials on behalf of the people. The governments of Rome and the United States both have a _____ legislature in which power is balanced between two houses. _____ were elected to lead Rome and command the army. This is a similar position in the United States as the _____.
Republic bicameral Consuls president
What is the main idea in this passage? -"The smaller the society, the fewer probably will be the distinct parties and interests composing it . . . the more easily will they concert and execute their plans of oppression. Extend the sphere, and you take in a greater variety of parties and interests."- James Madison, The Federalist Papers
A more diverse society allows more interests to be heard
Match each characteristic of government to Athens or Rome.
Athens was a democracy had a Council of 500 allowed all citizens to vote Rome was led by a senate had a bicameral assembly was a republic
According to Pericles, how is Athens different from other Greek city-states? -"Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighbouring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves. Its administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called a democracy. If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences . . . class considerations not being 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."-
Athens has laws that treat all people fairly, regardless of social class.
Which statement best describes how American government compares to the one that existed in ancient Athens?
Both governments encouraged citizens to participate in the decision-making process.
Which ancient principles can be found in American government today? In a paragraph, provide at least three examples of government structures and principles that are based on ancient ideas.
The United States has applied government principles from many ancient civilizations. In Rome, power was held by elected officials on behalf of the people, and senators voted on important matters. This is a system of representative democracy that we use today. Citizens also participate directly by voting for themselves on issues. This system mirrors the direct democracy used in Athenian government.
What is the main idea of Pericles's statement? -"If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences . . . class considerations not being 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."-
The law treats all men equally.
Direct democracy is a system in which _____ participate in government decisions directly. All Athenian citizens participated in government by voting in the _____.
citizens General Assembly
Select the answers that best complete this paragraph about ancient Greece. To understand how democracy developed in ancient Greece, you must examine the polis, which was the Greek word for a _____. The Greeks shared a language and culture, but each polis had a different government. In 509 BCE, Athens created a new set of rules that gave power to the people. The Greeks called this government a _____. Members of the Council of 500 were chosen _____.
city-state democracy randomly
Which principle of American government is reflected in this quote? -"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."-
equality for all citizens
Which of these ideas were influences of Judeo-Christian principles on government? Check all that apply.
the ideas of equality and liberty the idea of basic laws that govern human behavior
