Democracy

Democracy

A democracy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of all the people. The word “democracy” comes from the Greek terms demos (meaning “people”) and kratos (meaning “power”).

Early Democracy

Democracy developed in ancient Greece about 500 B.C.E. in the city-state of Athens, where many people began to oppose the rule of the tyrants. The main governing body of the Athenian democracy was the Assembly. The Assembly was open to all 30,000 to 40,000 adult male citizens, but usually only 5,000 people attended.

Multiple Select

According to the previous slide, who was NOT included in the voting assembly?

• Men

• Women

Three Levels of Government

Both rich and poor citizens attended the Assembly. This body met about 40 times a year to direct foreign policy, revise laws, and approve or condemn the conduct of public oficials. Assembly members reached all their decisions through public debate and vote. A smaller, important executive body, the Council of 500, was responsible for the day-to-day running of the state. This body—whose members were chosen annually in a lottery—proposed new laws and enforced the Assembly’s decisions, or decrees. The Council also administered the state’s finances, received foreign ambassadors, and oversaw the maintenance of the Athenian fleet.

Multiple Select

What are the three levels of government in an Early Democracy?

• The Assembly

• The House of Representatives

• The Body

• The Senate

• The Council

An important aspect of Athenian democracy was the fact that its public oficials did not have much individual power. In wartime, a group of 10 generals made decisions about military matters. These generals were elected annually and could be reelected several times. Nearly all government oficials—including generals and assembly and council members, as well as citizens who served on juries—were paid for their services. This allowed both poor and rich male citizens to fully participate in the Athenian government.

Multiple Choice

According to the previous slide. Who made decisions about military matters?

• An elected group of 10 men.

• The Assembly

• The House of Representatives

• The Military general.

Roman Republic

Roman leaders created a Republic, a government in which the people elect officials who govern according to the law. They modeled this government after the Greek Republic.  Read on to see if you can spot any differences.

Counsul

One of two elected officials of the Roman Republic. 

Tribune

an elected official that represented the interests of the plebeians or commonor.  A member of the lower social class in Rome. 

Multiple Choice

Which of the officials had control over the military?

• Consul

• Senate

• Tribunes

Multiple Choice

Which of the elected officials served for life and passed laws?

• Consuls

• Senate

• Tribunes

Multiple Select

Click ALL that apply,

The Tribunes...

• Represented the common people.

• Judged Court Cases

• Could veto the decisions of the consul.

• approved or rejected laws.

• served a law

Multiple Choice

The United States established a representative democracy like the Ancient Roman Republic.

• True

• False

Multiple Select

What are the three branches of government currently used in the United States? Click ALL that apply.

• The Executive Branch

• The Consul

• The Senate

• The Legislative Branch

• The Judicial Branch