Democracy Through Time: From Athens to America

Who could participate in the democracy of ancient Athens?

• All people living in Athens

• Only free adult men born in Athens

• Women and slaves

• Only people who owned land

What is one major difference between Athenian democracy and American democracy?

• Athens used a king; America does not

• Athens used direct voting; America uses representatives

• America does not allow citizens to vote

• Athens had three branches of government

What is a similarity between both systems?

• Both allowed women to vote

• Both believed citizens should have a voice in government

  
  

• Both had a president

• Both used only written laws

1. Why do you think the United States chose a representative democracy instead of a direct democracy like Athens?

1. Name one way the American democracy improved on the Athenian system.

1. Why is it important for citizens to have a voice in their government?