Governments of Greece Review

Ancient Greece: Forms of Government

As we review the forms of governments used by the Greeks, add to or make changes to your notes as necessary!

Open Ended

List one (1) form of government created or used by the ancient Greeks?

Match

Match the following forms of government to the correct description:

• Monarchy

• Democracy

• Tyranny

• Oligarchy

• Aristocracy

Ruled by a King or Queen

Citizens participate

One ruler who takes power by force

Rule by a "few" powerful people

Rule by the elite (wealthy)

• Ruled by a King or Queen

• Citizens participate

• One ruler who takes power by force

• Rule by a "few" powerful people

• Rule by the elite (wealthy)

Who has the power? Those from the elite classes

How is power gained/achieved? They were born into wealthy social classes

Key Details:
1. Aristocracy="Rule of the Best"
2. Often seized the property of small landowners & created harsh laws.
3. Created laws that only benefit the wealthy.
4. Citizens were at the mercy of the Aristocracy.

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Aristocracy

Open Ended

Describe a disadvantage of an aristocracy.

Who has the power? A few powerful men

How is power gained/achieved? They were born into wealthy social classes

Key Details:
1. Forced the poor to most work within society, while oligarchs relaxed.
2. Ignored the needs of most people.
3. Used the army to force people to obey them.
4. Overthrown by the people.

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Oligarchy

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the daily activities of those in an oligarchy?

• Oligarchs participated in festivals while the poor did most of the work

• They elected one person to become the leader

• They rotated leadership roles among all citizens

• Daily activities focused on promoting equality among all

Who has the power? One person (tyrant)

How is power gained/achieved? Forcefully & Illegally

Key Details:
1. Most Greek tyrants were military leaders.
2. Often promised people (poor) more rights.
4. Often forced out by other tyrants.

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Tyranny

Open Ended

Describe an advantage of a tyranny.

Who has the power? A king

How is power gained/achieved? Children often inherit power, usually the oldest son.

Key Details:
1. Kings made all laws, acted as judges, led army.
2. Aristocrats served as advisors.
3. Later, aristocrats influenced the selection of kings.

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Monarchy

Match

Match the following roles with the person or group:

• Acted as lawyers, judges & leaders of the military

• Ancient Greece city-states did not have this type of monarch

• Aristocracy who helped leaders make decisions

Kings

Queens

Advisors

• Kings

• Queens

• Advisors

Who has the power? Citizens (male landowners)

How is power gained/achieved? Voting

Key Details:
1. Direct & Indirect Democracies
2. City-states used an assembly to provide guidance.
3. Democracy was not effective for the Greeks as assemblies often reversed decisions made by citizens.

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Democracy

Draw

Circle the city-state that used a direct democracy?

Poll

Which form of government do you believe is most effective?

• Aristocracy

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

• Tyranny

• Democracy

Poll

How comfortable do you feel with the information reviewed?

• Very confident

• Somewhat confident

• Somewhat confused

• Very confused

Open Ended

Based on your response to the previous poll, what questions do you have?