Comparing Athenian Democracy and Roman Republic

The video explores the history and differences between direct democracy, as practiced in ancient Athens, and representative democracy, as seen in the Roman Republic. It includes a tour of the Acropolis, highlighting ancient Greek voting practices. The video discusses the structure of Athenian democracy, the role of the council and assembly, and compares it to modern democratic practices. It also covers the Roman Republic's social class system and its influence on governance, drawing parallels to contemporary political structures.

What is the main difference between a direct democracy and a representative democracy?

• Direct democracy involves citizens voting on all decisions directly, while representative democracy involves electing officials to make decisions.

• Direct democracy is ruled by a king, while representative democracy is ruled by elected officials.

• Direct democracy is only found in ancient civilizations, while representative democracy is a modern concept.

• Direct democracy does not allow citizens to vote, while representative democracy does.

Where did the ancient Athenians vote using direct democracy?

• In the Acropolis theater

• In the Parthenon

• In the Agora

• In the Temple of Zeus

What was the significance of the Acropolis theater in ancient Athens?

• It was used for religious ceremonies.

• It was the first major theater amphitheater in the world and a place for voting and performing plays.

• It was the residence of the king.

• It was a marketplace for trading goods.

In ancient Greek democracy, who was considered a citizen?

• Any male over the age of 18

• Any male over the age of 30

• Any person who owned land

• Any person born in Athens

What type of government did most civilizations have before the invention of democracy?

• Anarchy

• Republic

• Monarchy

• Oligarchy

How did the Council of 400 function in Athenian democracy?

• They proposed daily decisions which were then voted on by the Assembly.

• They were responsible for military decisions only.

• They acted as judges in legal matters.

• They made all the decisions without consulting the citizens.

What is the main characteristic of a representative democracy?

• There are no elected officials, only appointed ones.

• Decisions are made by a council of elders.

• Elected officials make decisions on behalf of the citizens.

• Citizens vote on every single issue directly.

In the Roman Republic, who were the patricians?

• Elected officials

• Military leaders

• Wealthy landowners who held high government positions

• Common farmers

What was a significant difference between patricians and plebeians in the Roman Republic?

• Patricians could vote, but plebeians could not.

• Plebeians were the ruling class, while patricians were the working class.

• Plebeians held all the important government positions.

• Patricians were wealthy and held high positions, while plebeians were common citizens who could vote but not hold important positions.

What is elitism in the context of government?

• The theory that only the wealthy and powerful should govern.

• The belief that all citizens should have equal power.

• The practice of electing officials based on merit.

• The idea that government should be run by the military.