Greek Government

What type of government does this scenario represent?

Beginning around 2000 BCE, most city-states of ancient Greece were governed by a single ruler. At first, the people picked the rulers, but eventually, the rulers demanded that their children, usually the eldest son, become the next ruler. These single rulers held the power to make decisions. For example, they made laws, acted as judges, led the army during wars, and conducted religious ceremonies. They could also use the army to punish those who did not follow laws or didn’t pay taxes. Although the aristocrats (wealthy landowners) were supposed to advise the leader, for a long time they didn’t have real power.

• oligarchy

• direct democracy

• monarchy

• tyranny

What type of government does this scenario represent?

By about 800 BCE, the aristocrats realized that they did have power. The king depended on them for help when there was a war because they could afford horses, weapons, and armor for fighting. Soon, they realized that if they banded together, they could overthrow the king, and many did. In this form of government, a small group of wealthy aristocrats passed laws and made decisions. The poor had little say in the laws they made.

• oligarchy

• direct democracy

• monarchy

• tyranny

What type of government does this scenario represent?

The aristocrats did pass many unfair laws that made them richer and the poor, poorer. While they lived comfortable lives full of food, music, and entertainment, the poor worked hard and could even be forced into slavery if they could not pay off debts. The poor became increasingly angry and looked for leaders to overthrow the small group of aristocrats from power. By the mid 600’s BCE, individuals, oftentimes military leaders, were able to take power by using the army. One such leader was Peisistratos. Even though he took power by force, many thought he was fair and kind because he helped the poor and protected them. Others were concerned that he might abuse his power since all of the power was in his hands and he was did not have legal right to rule.

• oligarchy

• direct democracy

• monarchy

• tyranny

What type of government does this scenario represent?

While Peisistratos was generally considered a fair ruler, his sons eventually took power and, in the end, were not as kind. At first the brothers Hipparchus and Hippias were also fair rulers, but after Hipparchus was murdered by a couple of men, Hippias became cruel and harsh. Eventually the citizens had enough and were able to expel Hippias. Instead of having one ruler, through 500 B.C.E. on, the citizens of Athens decided to try ruling themselves. The city created an assembly that would discuss and vote on new laws. They also created a council of 500 citizens that would be randomly chosen each month, which a new leader chosen each month. They also created a jury in which citizens themselves had the power to resolve problems and make judgments about fellow citizens when they broke the law.

• oligarchy

• direct democracy

• monarchy

• tyranny

A(n)  ____ is a single ruler, such as a king, queen, or emperor, who holds all the power in a country or empire.

• monarch
• citizen
• tyrant
• oligarch

Tags

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

In which type of government does the power rest with the people?

• Democracy
• Monarchy
• Oligarchy
• Tyranny

A(n)  ____ is one of several people who rule a country or empire together, sharing the power.

• assembly
• oligarch
• citizen
• tyrnat

Which government has its power passed down through a royal family line?

• monarchy
• oligarchy
• tyranny
• democracy

In which type of government does an individual take power with the support of the middle class?

• Democracy
• Monarchy
• Oligarchy
• Tyranny

How were laws developed in a monarchy?

• The Assembly voted on them.
• The king made them.
• The aristocrats made them.
• There were no laws in a monarchy