U9 L2: Greek and Roman Government Terms

Questions and Answers

What does the term 'comprehensive' mean?

Covered completely, inclusive.

What is democracy?

A form of government in which the people participate in decision-making.

What is a republic?

A form of government run by an elected leader and elected representatives.

What does 'rule of law' refer to?

The principle that no one is exempt from the law, even those in positions of power. Signup and view all the answers

What is tyranny?

Unfair, cruel, and oppressive treatment by people with power over others. Signup and view all the answers

Where did democracy begin?

In ancient Greek city-states during the 500s and 400s BCE. Signup and view all the answers

What reforms did Athenian leaders make in 594 BCE?

They began to reform the government in Athens, creating classes of citizens. Signup and view all the answers

Who increased the power of the assembly in Athenian democracy?

Cleisthenes. Signup and view all the answers

What was created by Pericles to strengthen Athenian democracy?

The council of 500. Signup and view all the answers

What did Pericles believe about Athens' laws compared to other city-states?

Athens has laws that treat all people fairly, regardless of social class. Signup and view all the answers

What bodies made up the Athenian democratic structure after Pericles' reforms?

The General Assembly and the Council of 500. Signup and view all the answers

What was Athenian trial by jury like?

Jurors were selected at random and were usually five hundred in number. Signup and view all the answers

Which democratic ideals were practiced by Athens? (Select all that apply)

Citizens accused of a crime were entitled to a trial by jury. Signup and view all the answers

What did Greek philosophers use to answer society's questions?

Reason and logic. Signup and view all the answers

What did Plato write about in his work?

An ideal system of government. Signup and view all the answers

What form of government did Aristotle explore?

Practical forms of government. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common idea supported by both Plato and Aristotle?

The rule of law is needed to protect against tyranny. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Roman Republic create?

An organized governmental structure and written legal code. Signup and view all the answers

What type of democracy was practiced in the Roman Republic?

Indirect democracy. Signup and view all the answers

What were the Twelve Tables?

The first written collection of Roman laws. Signup and view all the answers

What influenced many democratic governments of today?

Principles of Roman law. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Justinian Code include?

A comprehensive list of all Roman laws. Signup and view all the answers

How did Rome's government separate power?

Created two assemblies: the military and tribal assembly. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Athenian government influences modern democracies?

The use of juries to decide trials. Signup and view all the answers

What was a requirement for someone accusing another of a crime under Roman law?

Proof that a crime had been committed. Signup and view all the answers

How did citizens in Athens' first democracy divide?

Based on wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What did Pericles believe the Athenian government should favor?

The majority over the minority. Signup and view all the answers

What likely took place under Athens' jury system?

A random selection of five hundred citizens to make up a jury. Signup and view all the answers

What did Plato warn about in his writing?

The accumulation of money leads to a corrupt government. Signup and view all the answers

What did Aristotle argue about just governments?

They act in favor of the common interest. Signup and view all the answers

What did Plato and Aristotle share in their beliefs?

Both thought that tyranny was a threat to government. Signup and view all the answers

How is the democracy in Rome characterized?

Indirect, meaning that people elected their leaders. Signup and view all the answers

Who created a direct democracy in Athens?

Pericles. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Government Types and Terms

Comprehensive: Covered completely and inclusive in context.
Democracy: A government form where people participate in decision-making.
Republic: A government run by elected leaders and representatives.
Rule of Law: The principle that all individuals, including those in power, are subject to the law.
Tyranny: Oppressive and unfair treatment by those in power.

Ancient Greek Democracy

Greek City-States: Democracy emerged in Greek city-states during the 500s and 400s BCE, each with unique government structures.
First Democracy: In 594 BCE, Athenian leaders, particularly Solon, reformed Athens' government into a system where all free adult males could be citizens and vote.
Limited Democracy in Athens: By 508 BCE, Cleisthenes reformed the Athenian democracy, empowering the assembly and allowing all citizens to propose laws and vote.
Direct Democracy in Athens: From 461 to 429 BCE, Pericles strengthened Athenian democracy by creating the council of 500, increasing public officials, and instituting pay for jurors, leading to direct democracy.

Athenian Democratic Structure

General Assembly: Composed of all Athenian citizens; voted on laws and decisions, led by elected generals.
Council of 500: Made up of randomly selected citizens, prepared laws, and managed the city-state in the assembly's absence.

Legal and Trial Systems

Trial by Jury: Developed an organized jury system with randomly selected jurors, primarily males over 30, typically consisting of 500 members who voted via bronze ballots.
The Twelve Tables: Established in 451 BCE, these were the first written Roman laws, affirming equality and protection under the law.

Philosophical Contributions

Greek Philosophy: Focused on logic and reason to understand natural laws and societal questions.
Plato: Advocated for a government led by philosophers, considered democracy an unjust system, and emphasized the rule of law in his work, "The Republic."
Aristotle: Explored practical government forms in his book "Politics," supporting rule of law as a safeguard against tyranny.

Impact of Roman Government

Roman Republic Formation: Originated as a city-state and expanded into an empire, establishing a republic by the sixth century BCE with structured governance and a written legal code.
Indirect Democracy: Citizens elected representatives (magistrates, senators, consuls) to make decisions on their behalf.
Roman Legal Principles: Influenced modern democracies with principles such as the presumption of innocence and the burden of proof on the accuser.

Legacy and Comparisons

Athenian vs. Roman Democracy: While Athens practiced direct democracy where citizens voted directly on laws, Rome featured an indirect democratic structure with elected representatives.
Enduring Influence: Ideals from Greek and Roman governments, such as the importance of written laws and democratic principles, shaped modern democratic systems.

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Description

This quiz includes key definitions related to the influence of Greek and Roman government, including terms like democracy, republic, and rule of law. Each term is defined to help understand the foundations of modern governance. Perfect for students studying U.S. history or government courses.