Western Classical Civilization Test Review

The characteristics listed in the box best reflect the efforts of the Roman Republic to —

• reduce tension between plebeians and patricians

• maintain effective borders against barbarian invasion

• separate power among different government branches

• divide power between provincial and central authorities

How did the Roman idea of citizenship facilitate political stability throughout Roman territories?

• Romans granted citizenship to both men and women.

• Romans extended citizenship to powerful landowners.

• Romans allowed conquered peoples to become citizens.

• Romans educated citizens about representative government.

As a result of the collapse of Roman rule in 476, western Europe experienced —

• a revolution in agriculture

• a rebirth of art and learning

• a shift to an urban population

• a lack of political unity and stability

Which of the following best describes the factors that contributed to the collapse of the Roman Empire and Han China?

• Internal rebellions led by peasant groups eventually resulted in the overthrow of both empires.

• Corruption in the government, social instability and the inability to manage vast borders eventually doomed both empires.

• A failure to standardize coinage along with high tariffs on trade resulted in a disruptive trade system and eventual decline of the two empires.

• Adoption of new religious practices among the elite political leaders created a vacuum of leadership and eventual decay of leadership in the empires.

How does the government of a republic differ from that of a direct democracy?

• In a direct democracy, power is given to political parties, yet in a republic power is given to a tyrant.

• In a republic all power is in the hands of a committee of appointees, yet in a direct democracy the leader of the city-state has the concentration of power.

• In a republic every citizen votes directly on all proposed laws, yet in a direct democracy only male citizens are eligible to vote.

• In a republic each representative is elected to office by the citizens, yet in a direct democracy every citizen votes directly on proposed legislation.

Which type of government of early Greece often consisted of a small group of wealthy people in power?

• Oligarchy

• Tyranny

• Republic

• Democracy

Which characteristic of classical Greek civilization was Thomas Paine most likely referring to in the quote?

• The life-long military service

• The use of democratic elections

• The creation of an oligarchy

• The use of oracles for advice

Based on the information in the excerpt, which characteristic of the Roman republic is evident in the U.S. government?

• Judges

• A president

• Legal codes

• Legislative bodies

Which classical Greek political practice was adopted by the classical Romans?

• Allowing a supreme court of impartial judges

• Creating a system of public baths for sanitation

• Granting citizens the right to participate in government through the voting process

• Establishing a council of the 500 largest landowners to serve as advisors to legislators

Which of the following traits of the U.S. government reflects the influence of political ideas from classical Greek civilization?

• Separation of powers

• Public trial for crimes

• Presidential veto power

• Strong executive branch