Lesson 5- Power, Governance, and Authority of the Ancient Civilizations
Learning Objectives
After completing independent and small group readings, research, and discussion, students will be able to…
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paraphrase the definition of government, power, propaganda, and related terms.
explain the purpose of government.
name and discuss the four forms of government (monarchy, oligarchy, dictatorship, and democracy).
name and discuss all five guiding principles of power.
correctly categorize the form governments of each of the ancient civilizations studied.
use propaganda to visually advocate for their assigned civilization’s government.
Essential Understandings:
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The presence of government is one of the cultural characteristics of a civilization.
No one knows how the first governments developed. Opinions includes: a) logical connection to and
extension of a culture’s religion and b) need for boundary or water rights or defense.
Government is an organized system that groups use to make laws and decisions.
There is always some form of government within any civilization.
Different civilizations had different forms of government.
The sources of governmental power include: force, family, wealth, “the people,” and divinity.
Power is either granted by the people or taken by those in control.
The five guiding principles of power include the following:
o Power is always attained and lost.
o Power corrupts.
o The desire for power usually leads to conflict or restructuring.
o Power is always challenged.
o Power is transferred.
Government provides order and protection.
Governments make and enforce laws and collect taxes to pay for services.
Defense is a major service of the government.
Guiding Questions
• What is government?
• What is the purpose of government?
• Did all early civilizations have a government?
• Can a civilization exist without government?
• What are the various kinds of government found in the early civilizations?
• What is power?
• How is power associated with government?
• How did the various cultures control their people and others?
• What are the four forms of government?
• Why do cultures take military action?
Government Features
Name of Culture _____________________________________________
Type of government
Sources
Source of power
(force, family, wealth,
“the people,” or divinity)
Sources
Title of leader
Sources
Examples of laws
Sources
Describe the rights
of the citizens
Sources
Services provided by
the government
Sources
Governments of Ancient Civilizations
Name of Culture
Government Features