Classical Political Theorists
Course
Rationale
Political Science I Introduces students to the theories of the classical political theorists that
influenced American society, and career opportunities in the United States.
Unit I
Political Theory
Objectives
The student will be able to:
1. Identify the classical political theories that are important in American
Essential
society.
Question
2. Identify the works of classical political theorists.
How have
3. Analyze the major concepts of each classical political theorist.
classical political
4. Understand which political theorists impacted other forms of
theorists
government.
influenced
5. Identify careers that are available in the United States.
government
today?
Engage
Have students read an article about affirmative action (to find an article, do
TEKS
an Internet search for the following: “affirmative action unequal protection”).
§130.183(c)
Lead the students in a debate about the concept of equality in Affirmative
(1)(B)
Action and whether or not it is fair and equal. Use the Debate Rubric for
assessment.
Prior Student
Learning
None
Key Points
I. Which of America’s core values were adapted from classical political
theories?
Estimated Time
A. Liberty
3 to 5 hours
1. The principle that individuals should be free to act and think as
they choose, provided they do not infringe on the rights and
freedoms of others
a) The concept of liberty in America dates back prior to the
American Revolution
b) The early Americans did not accept the European system
of absolute government and aristocracy
c) Following the American Revolution when the early
Americans were forming their own government they first
chose to protect their liberties
(1) That is why it is the first amendment to the US
Constitution
2. Personal liberties in the US consist of the freedoms of
a) Speech
b) Press
c) Religion
d) Assembly
e) Petition
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3. Personal liberties in the US are considered to be “unalienable
rights”
a) These rights were outlined by Thomas Jefferson in the
Declaration of Independence
b) Thomas Jefferson adapted the concept of “unalienable
rights” from John Locke’s “life, liberty, and right to
property”
B. Equality
1. The notion that all individuals are equal in their moral worth and
thereby entitled to equal treatment under the law
a) America broke away from Europe’s rigid aristocratic
system by providing white settlers with land ownership
(1) Under Europe’s absolute rule, only aristocrats could
own land
(2) Classical political philosopher Thomas Hobbes
(a) Wrote in support of absolute rule
(b) Believed that it created stability in society
b) Equality had a much different meaning at the time when
the founders wrote the Declaration of Independence
c) Equal rights were not afforded to slaves, and Thomas
Jefferson himself was a slave owner
2. The ancient Greeks placed emphasis on equality of opportunity
a) Their society was merit-based, in which freemen could
participate in the democratic government, rather than
inheriting a position because of birthright
b) This concept was later adopted by America’s founding
fathers
(1) Article 1. Sec 9 of the US Constitution says, “the
federal government does not grant titles of nobility”
(2) Also, no office shall be passed down for hereditary
reasons
3. The idea of equality has evolved over the nineteenth and
twentieth centuries
a) The abolition of slavery in the 1860s (13th amendment)
b) The women’s right to vote movement beginning in the
early 1900s (19th amendment)
c) The civil rights movement of the 1960s (Civil Rights Act of
1964)
d) The marriage equality movement of the 2000s (to be
determined)
C. Consent of the Governed
1. The consent of the governed is the idea that in a democracy,
the government’s power derives from the consent of the people
a) This idea was the focal point of the rebellion which lead to
the American Revolution
b) Since this was the focal point of the rebellion, Thomas
Jefferson expressed this concept deeply in the
Declaration of Independence
2. The consent of the governed was adapted from John Locke’s
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idea of the social contract which states that people agree to the
government’s authority, and if the government no longer has
consent of the governed, the people have the right to revolt
3. The consent of the governed also implies majority rule
a) Almost all elections in the US are “majority rule” elections
(1) The candidate must receive at least fifty percent of
the vote, plus one
(2) In a democratic government, majority rule must
protect minority rights
b) In the presidential election, the winner must win 271
electoral votes in order to be elected
(1) The total number of electoral votes is 538
(2) The people must agree on their ruler
4. According to Locke, the most important notion of the consent of
the governed was to protect the natural rights of citizens
a) The people should only revolt against the government in
extreme cases
b) Injustices must be deeply rooted and felt by a majority of
citizens
II. What are the works of the classical political theorists?
A. Plato
1. Plato’s works often capture the political and intellectual
movement of his time in ancient Greece
2. One of Plato’s most noted pieces of work is titled The Republic
a) Centers around one central question: what is just?
b) Makes the connection to politics and ethical behavior
c) Addresses these terms as the individual or the soul
d) Addresses two questions
(1) Is the just person happier than the unjust person?
(2) What is the relation between justice and happiness?
3. Plato touches on several other subjects which include political
regimes, education, family, the role of women, and the afterlife
B. Aristotle
1. Aristotle’s most famous work on political philosophy is called
Politics
a) This work centers mainly around the city (polis) as a
political community
2. Aristotle believes that man participating in public life is far more
virtuous than private life
a) Aristotle says that this is true because men are “political
animals”
b) A city, or polis, can be whatever type of government they
choose, as long as the people accept that form of
government
3. Aristotle considers democracy the least harmful form of
government
4. Parts of Aristotle’s writings in Politics were adopted from
Plato’s work in The Republic
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a) There must be justice in a city (polis)
b) There must be a “just” distribution of power in government
5. Aristotle said that government was divided into 3 different
types, based on the level of participation by the people
a) Government of One = Tyranny and Royalty
b) Government of the Few = Aristocracy and Oligarchy
c) Government of the Many = Constitutional Government
and Democracy
C. Machiavelli
1. Niccolo Machiavelli’s most famous political work is called The
Prince
2. Like Aristotle and Plato, Machiavelli writes about the
relationship between moral goodness and authority
a) The political power of a ruler is only “just” when he or she
practices personal moral character which is virtuous
b) There is no moral basis for judging the difference between
legitimate or illegitimate power
c) Once a ruler acquires power, his or her only concern is to
retain that power
3. Machiavelli writes about the relationship between law and force
a) In order to enforce laws and be taken seriously as a ruler,
you must be able to exercise force
b) Authority is impossible without the power to enforce it
c) Fear controls the people
4. The people are accepting of the ruler’s power as long as the
ruler treats them “justly”
D. Cicero
1. Published many different works regarding philosophy in ancient
Rome
a) Two of his most notable works regarding government are
(1) On the Republic
(a) Describes the ideal government; he uses the
Roman philosophies as an example because
during this time period it was considered to be a
mixed government
(i) This mixed government combined
elements of Democracy, Aristocracy, and
Monarchy
(ii) Cicero claims that this form of government
can only work if there is a right balance of
each of the different types of government
(Clayton p.1)
(iii) According to Cicero, if the government is
left with just aristocracy, it will be the moral
decay of society and the government will
be destroyed (Clayton p. 1)
(b) Believes that the foundation of a community
must be that all people living in the state are
involved in the virtue of the state
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(i) The people must also have a role with the
statesmen and vice versa
(2) On the Laws
(a) States that as human beings, we have the
ability to reason, and reason is what has
allowed us to discover the principles of justice in
society
(i) Therefore, valid law is rooted in nature,
and any law not rooted in nature was
made by tyrants and should not be
considered law
E. Confucius
1. A Chinese philosopher that wrote about how society should
participate in government
a) Wrote about the five relationships in society and each has
clearly defined duties
(1) Sovereign and state
(2) Husband and wife
(3) Parent and child
(4) Elder brother and younger brother
(5) Friend and friend
2. Stated that a ruler should learn self-discipline, then lead by his
own example, and treat the people with respect and concern
3. Claimed that the political institutions had broken down during
his time
a) This claim came from what was said to be too much
power in “subordinate” positions
b) A good government consists of a hierarchical relationship
in which each person only operates within the means of
his or her own title
c) There is a basic order in the universe, and society must
follow it
4. Believed a ruler is most effective when he delegates power to
his loyal deputies
5. Believed in Merit Bureaucracy, or civil service, which meant
that officials were selected for their moral qualities
a) Officials were selected based off of merit, rather than
wealth
F. Georg Wilhelm Freidrich Hegel
1. Worked during the late 1700s, during a period known as
“German Idealism”
2. Wrote several different political works, most of which were
never published, but include common themes
a) He attacks old political concepts which are no longer
applicable in the modern world
b) Old constitutions of countries need to change, but change
must be cautious and gradual
c) Strong central government is necessary but with limited
control on public administration and social relations
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d) The citizens must have popular representation
e) There is not necessarily a need for a separation of
powers, but the monarchy must support the constitutional
structure
3. An advocate for a Constitutional Monarchy because he
believed in a strong central public authority
a) Citizens should be treated like a political community rather
than excluded units as though they were under the
estates
4. The task of government is not to make everything bureaucratic,
but to provide regulation, oversight, and intervention when
necessary
5. Rejects violent popular action, and believes everything can be
resolved through equality of the public welfare
G. Karl Marx
1. Most remembered, not as a philosopher, but as the founder of
the theory of Communism
2. Communism – an economic system in which government owns
most or all major industries and also takes responsibility for
overall management of the economy
3. In the beginning, his work was influenced by Hegel
4. His most famous work is the Communist Manifesto
5. Although most of Marx’s writing deals with economic theories,
his communist theories apply to the institution of government
a) Capitalism exploited the citizens of the country
b) A capitalist economy created class struggle among
citizens
6. Marx felt that if government controlled all means of production,
that it would eliminate the “surplus value theory” (profit) and
therefore remove social status in society
III. What are the major concepts of the classical political theorists?
A. Justice – the maintenance or administration of what is just,
especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the
assignment of merited rewards or punishments
1. Plato
a) In his Republic, he addresses the concept of justice in
society
(1) Happiness in society is dependent on justice
(2) Justice is essential to the quality of life in a
government
2. Aristotle briefly touches on the concept of justice in society
a) In his Politics
(1) Goes a step further than Plato and states that justice
is dependent on the type of government
(2) Justice must be distributed evenly among all citizens
(3) Democracy is the least harmful type of government
and also the most “just”
b) Government of one leads to tyranny among the people
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and government
(1) The more power that is given to one individual, the
less just a society will be
3. Machiavelli
a) In The Prince
(1) Much of his philosophy was similar to Plato’s and
Aristotle’s, except for his views on justice in society
(2) A powerful ruler is acceptable as long as the he rules
with moral goodness
(a) Plato and Aristotle would most likely disagree
with this statement because, although they
believe in moral goodness, a single ruler does
not give the citizens freedom to participate in
government
(b) Machiavelli believes that the citizens will
conform to the single ruler because of fear or
injustice
B. Participation in government
1. Aristotle
a) Participation in government is only truly possible within a
democratic form of government
2. Cicero
a) Able to expand on Aristotle’s theory of participation in
government and state that the ideal government is a mix
of different types of government
b) If there is a mix of each of the government systems, there
must be a proper balance between each type
(1) A monarchy provides the foundation for government,
while the democratic aspects allow the citizens to
participate in the virtue of the state
(2) His discussion about the citizens and the statesmen
are much like the American structure of government
today
(a) Congressmen represent the citizens on the
federal level, but citizens are still urged to
participate in the political process
3. Confucius
a) Wrote in depth about the level of participation in
government
b) Government must have order and a hierarchical structure
c) Citizens must obey the responsibilities of their role in a
society, or it will be chaos
d) The first to write about the concept of a “merit-based” civilservice exam
(1) This meant that participants were promoted through
merit rather than wealth or education
(2) This concept is a part of American society today (i.e.
most bureaucratic offices in the US are hired based
on their results on the civil-service examination.)
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(3) All citizens in the US are allowed to participate in the
bureaucratic process
C. Limited powers of the citizens
1. Machiavelli
a) The limited power of the people is just, as long as they are
being treated with moral goodness
b) Once a ruler gains power, his or her only concern is to
keep that power, even it means using force
2. Aristotle
a) One of the first political theorists to discuss the different
types of government
b) Two of the types of government that he discussed gave
limited powers to the people
c) Royalty will eventually lead to tyranny
d) Oligarchy and Aristocracy are forms of government in
which most of the power is delegated to the educated and
wealthy citizens
e) His writings describes the possible dangers of
government in which limited powers are given to the
citizens
3. Hegel
a) His concept of limited government was different than other
classical political theorists, such as Aristotle and
Machiavelli
b) Believed in the concept of a monarchy, in which the
strong central power lies with a royal family
c) Believed that the monarchy should support the country’s
constitution and the representation of citizens
d) His writings were said to be examples of the government
in England during this time period
4. Marx
a) His theory of government is the most extreme example of
limited powers on society
(1) Based around the government’s complete economic
control over all means of production
(2) All decision-making power lies with the government;
this eliminates the concept of “class warfare”
D. Mixed government
1. Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero all wrote about the concept of a
mixed government: a government with qualities of democracy,
aristocracy, and oligarchy
a) This form of mixed government was much more
widespread during the time of ancient Greece and ancient
Rome
b) However, mixed government societies existed in different
countries throughout history and even today:
(1) In 19th century England, the English government
consisted of a King (monarchy), the House of Lords
(oligarchy), and the House of Commons (democracy)
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(2) Currently, Russia is considered to be a mixed
government because it has characteristics of
presidential systems (oligarchy) and a parliamentary
system (democracy)
E. Communism
1. Confucius
a) An ancient Chinese philosopher who still has a
tremendous impact on Chinese society
(1) Confucianism was banned by the Communist Party
of China when the Communist Party rose to power in
the late 1940s
(2) It was not until the 1990s that China began to
recognize the writings of Confucianism again
(3) The Communist Party of China did not support
Confucianism; they believed it was more of an
Aristocratic type of government
b) Confucian supporters were banished from China in 1949
and exiled to what is now modern day Taiwan
(1) Since their banishment to Taiwan, they have
continued to practice Confucian beliefs, even today
2. Karl Marx
a) Influential in leading the formation of the communist states
of the Soviet Union and China
(1) In 1922, the Soviet Union was a communist state
which consisted of modern day Russia and several
countries in Eastern Europe
(2) The communist theories of Marx eventually ran their
economic course in the Soviet Union, and in 1991
the Soviet Union collapsed, leaving the region in a
political and economic mess
(3) In 1949, the Communist Party of China was able to
overthrow the Nationalist Party, and China became a
communist country until the late 1970s when they
began major economic reforms
F. Constitutional Monarchy
1. Georg Hegel’s political theory very much embodies that of a
Constitutional Monarchy system
2. Although Hegel was from Germany, many of his writings were
about the governmental system of England
a) England’s government is a Constitutional Monarchy
b) The English Reform Bill of the mid 1800s gave citizens
more representation in government
3. Hegel believes that the head of state, or the monarch, should
be based on a line in the hereditary succession
4. The central government, or parliament is in place to control
regulation and oversight to public administration
a) The lower house, or the House of Commons, is a way for
citizens to be represented by elected officials
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IV. What are career opportunities available in the US?
A. Political Science Teacher
1. Political Science or government teachers must be well versed
in the works of classical political theorists, even at the
secondary level
a) Secondary-level teachers study John Locke, Thomas
Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau because of their
influences on founding documents like the Declaration of
Independence and the US Constitution
b) College professors have the opportunity to become more
specialized in their study of classical political theorists
c) Many college professors teach entire classes devoted to
the political theories of an ancient era
2. A political science teaching position at the secondary level
requires that teachers have a college degree in political
science or a government-related field
a) Secondary-level teachers are also required by the state to
pass a content exam before they can become a certified
teacher
3. A college professor of political science is much different than a
secondary level teacher
a) A college professor has an advanced level degree, a
Master’s or PhD
b) Professors usually teach classes that are based on their
research in that particular field
c) As part of their employment, the university also expects
them to publish their work in the form of books or
scholarly journals
4. Although most of the work done by these classical political
theorists is centuries old, new research is important because of
its application to the evolving political process in America and
around the world
B. Civil Service Examinations
1. Confucius developed the idea of a civil service examination in
which positions would be based on merit, rather than wealth or
heritage
2. This concept was adopted by the US and is a part of many of
the bureaucratic agencies in the US
3. Some of the agencies in the US that require a type of civil
service exam include
a) Border Patrol
b) Air Traffic Controllers
c) Federal Bureau of Investigation
d) Internal Revenue Service
e) United States Postal Service
f) Secret Service
g) Transportation Security Agency
h) US Customs
i) Central Intelligence Agency
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j) Foreign Service Workers
4. All federal jobs are paid in accordance with the federal pay
scale, which is based on position and experience
(https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salarieswages/2012/general-schedule/ )
Activities
1. Career Exploration. Have students research a career of their choice
using http://bls.gov/k12/index.htm.Then have them create a résumé
which outlines their accomplishments and current education. This
résumé may serve as a building block for their future résumés, and
should be constantly updated and altered depending on the students’
achievements. Use the Résumé Rubric for assessment.
2. Classical Model Government. Divide students into groups and assign
each student the role of representing one of the classical theorists. Have
the students argue the point of view of their respective classical political
theorists using the main points of each theorist and making an argument
for why their theories on government are the most effective. Use the
Role Play Rubric for assessment.
3. Analyzing the Declaration of Independence. Give students access to or
a copy of the Declaration of Independence and John Locke’s Second
Treatise on Civil Government. Have the students identify similarities
between John Locke’s theory and the Declaration of Independence.
After identifying the similarities, have the students summarize their
findings in a computer-based presentation to the class. Use the
Presentation Rubric for assessment.
Assessments
Classical Political Theorists Quiz and Key
Debate Rubric
Essay Rubric
Individual Work Rubric
Presentation Rubric
Résumé Rubric
Role Play Rubric
Materials
Classical Political Theorists computer-based presentation
Classical Political Theorists Key Terms
Computers with Internet access and computer-based presentation software
Resources
Baldson, John, and John Ferguson. "Marcus Tullius Cicero." Online
Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica :
Bertram, Christopher, "Jean Jacques Rousseau", The Stanford
Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta
(ed.), http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2012/entries/rousseau/
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Bose, Meena, John Dilulio, and James Wilson. American Government:
Institutions and Policies. 13th. Boston: Wadsworth Cenage Learning,
2013. Ch. 4. Print.
Clayton, Edward. "Cicero." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: a peerreviewed academic resource. Central Michigan University: 2001.
http://www.iep.utm.edu/cicero/
Edwards, George, Robert Lineberry, and Martin Wattenberg. Government in
American: People, Politics and Policy. 15th. New York City: Pearson
Education, 2011. Ch. 1, Ch. 11. Print.
Harrison, Brigid, and Jean Harris. American Democracy Now. 2nd. New York
City: McGraw Hill, 2011. Ch. 1, Ch. 9. Print.
Kraut, Richard, "Plato", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer
2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2012/entries/plato/
Nederman, Cary, "Niccolò Machiavelli", The Stanford Encyclopedia of
Philosophy (Fall 2009 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2009/entries/machiavelli/
O'Conner, Karen, Larry Sabato, and Alixandra Yanus. American
Government: Roots and Reform. 11th. New York City: Pearson
Education, 2011. Ch. 1. Print.
Patterson, Thomas. The American Democracy. 9th. New York City: McGraw
Hill , 2009. Ch 1. Print.
Redding, Paul, "Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel", The Stanford Encyclopedia
of Philosophy (Summer 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2012/entries/hegel/
Riegel, Jeffrey, "Confucius", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
(Summer 2013 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), forthcoming
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2013/entries/confucius/
Shields, Christopher, "Aristotle", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
(Summer 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2012/entries/aristotle/
Wolff, Jonathan, "Karl Marx", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
(Summer 2011 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),
http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2011/entries/marx/
Bureau of Labor Statistics http://bls.gov/k12/index.htm
Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html
John Locke’s Second Treatise on Civil Government
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/7370/7370-h/7370-h.htm
Accommodations for Learning Differences
For reinforcement, students will create a Venn Diagram in which they will
compare and contrast the main points of each of the classical political
theorists. Use the Individual Work Rubric for assessment.
For enrichment, students will write a 2–3 page research paper about the
works of one of the classical political theorists. The research paper should
consist of a biography and any other major contributions to the fields of
politics or government. Use the Essay Rubric for assessment.
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State Education Standards
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Career and Technical Education
§130.183. Political Science I (One to Two Credits).
(1)
The student analyzes classic and contemporary political
theories. The student is expected to:
(B)
draw conclusions about the classic political theorists
such as Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Machiavelli, Confucius,
Hobbes, Locke, Hegel, and Marx;
College and Career Readiness Standards
Social Studies Standards
I. Interrelated Disciplines and Skills
C. Change and continuity of political ideologies, constitutions, and
political behavior
1. Evaluate different governmental systems and functions.
2. Evaluate changes in the functions and structures of government
across time.
3. Explain and analyze the importance of civic engagement.
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Classical Political Theorists Key Terms
Aristocracy – a governing body or upper class, usually made up of a hereditary nobility
Civil Service Examination – the merit-based system by which many federal bureaucrats are
selected
Communism – an economic system in which government owns most or all major industries and
takes responsibility for overall management of the economy
Consent of the Governed – the idea that in a democracy, the government’s power derives from
the consent of the people
Constitutional Monarchy – a system of government in which the monarch shares power with a
constitutionally organized government. The Monarch is the ceremonial head of state and the
constitution allocates governmental power to the legislature and the judiciary
Equality – the notion that all individuals are equal in their moral worth and thereby entitled to
equal treatment under the law
Justice – the maintenance or administration of what is just, especially by the impartial
adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments
Liberty – the principle that individuals should be free to act and think as they choose, provided
they do not infringe upon the rights and freedoms of others
Oligarchy – a government in which control rests with a few persons
Unalienable Rights – the absolute rights of individuals may be resolved into the right of personal
security, the right of personal liberty, and the right to acquire and enjoy property. These
rights are declared to be natural, inherent, and unalienable
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Name________________________________ Date__________________________
Classical Political Theorists Quiz
1. _____ Which of the following personal liberties is guaranteed to Americans through the
1st Amendment?
A. Freedom of Speech
B. Freedom of Religion
C. Freedom of Press
D. All of the above
2. _____ According to John Locke, a person’s “unalienable rights” are all of the following
except
A. Right to the pursuit of happiness
B. Right to life
C. Right to liberty
D. Right to property
3. _____ Which article and section of the US Constitution states that in the United States
government, there will be “no titles of nobility”?
A. Article 1 Sec. 1
B. Article 1 Sec. 9
C. Article 2 Sec. 3
D. Article 2 Sec. 5
4. _____ Which of the following classical political theorists wrote about the concept of “the
consent of the governed?”
A. Marcus Tullius Cicero
B. Plato
C. Thomas Hobbes
D. Niccolo Machiavelli
5. _____ In which of the following works did Plato address the question of “what is just?”
A. The Republic
B. The Allegory of the Cave
C. Politics
D. The Prince
6. _____ Based on Aristotle’s writings about government, or “polis,” which of the following
types of government was not addressed by Aristotle?
A. Government of the Chosen
B. Government of the Many
C. Government of the Few
D. Government of One
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7. _____ Cicero believed that the most effective type of government system is which of the
following?
A. A Constitutional Monarchy
B. A Mixed Government
C. An Aristocracy
D. A Democracy
8. _____ Which of the following terms can be described as a governing body or upper
class, usually made up of hereditary nobility?
A. Aristocracy
B. Oligarchy
C. Democracy
D. Royalty
9. _____ Confucius stated that all of the following are considered to be one of the “five
relationships in society” except
A. Sovereign & States
B. Husband & Wife
C. Parent & Child
D. Brother & Sister
10. _____ Communism can be best described as
A. An economic system in which decisions about production and consumption
are based on custom and tradition
B. An economic system in which government owns most or all major industries
and also takes responsibility for overall management of the economy
C. An economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of
capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and
by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined
mainly by competition
D. An economy that lacks a commonly accepted currency, so all exchanges
must be made with goods and services because money does not exist in
these economies
11. _____ Hegel’s ideal form of government was considered to be which of the following?
A. Democracy
B. Communist
C. Constitutional Monarchy
D. Oligarchy
12. _____ The concept of a merit-based bureaucracy was created by the classical political
theorist Confucius. Which of the following best describes a merit-based
bureaucracy?
A. The merit system by which elected officials are selected
B. The merit system by which many federal bureaucrats are selected
C. The merit system by which they select the next royal heir
D. The merit system by which the president is elected
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13. _____ According to Karl Marx, government was responsible for all except which of the
following?
A. Creating competition among elected officials
B. Eliminating the surplus value theory
C. Controlling all means of production
D. Removing social status in society
14. _____ Which of the following Constitutional amendments gave women the equal right to
vote?
A. 15th amendment
B. 19th amendment
C. 24th amendment
D. 26th amendment
15. _____ The consent of the governed can be best described as which of the following?
A. The notion that all individuals are equal in their moral worth
B. Individuals are free to act and think as they choose
C. The idea that in a democracy the governments power derives from the
people
D. The unalienable rights of citizens in a democracy
16. _____ What is the total number of electoral votes needed for a person to be elected to
the President of the United States?
A. 100
B. 271
C. 435
D. 538
17. _____ Karl Marx’s most famous work is titled which of the following?
A. Second Treatise on Civil Government
B. Politics
C. The Prince
D. Communist Manifesto
18. _____ Confucianism was the political philosophy in China until which historical event?
A. The death of Mao Zedong
B. Confucianism ended when Confucius died in 479 B.C.E.
C. The Communist Party of China assumed power in the 1940s
D. The political protest in Tiananmen Square
19. _____ Cicero wrote that the most ideal form of government combined elements of all of
the following governments except
A. Democracy
B. Aristocracy
C. Monarchy
D. Oligarchy
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20. _____ Which of the following is a main point of Hegel’s thought on the structure of
government?
A. A strong central government is necessary but must place limited control on
public administration and social matters
B. Government should control all means of production in society
C. The relationship between government and society is that government must
be able to exercise law and force in order to be effective
D. Justice must be distributed evenly among all citizens in society
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Classical Political Theorist Quiz Key
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
D
A
B
C
A
A
B
A
D
B
C
B
A
B
C
B
D
C
D
A
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________________
Debate Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Information
Clear, accurate and thorough
Facts, statistics and/or examples
used to support major points.
Communication
Respectful body language
Respectful responses
Focused/On-topic
Sarcasm avoided
Participation
Full participation
Attentive listening
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
20
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Name________________________________
Date_____________________________
Essay Rubric
Objectives
Assigned
Topic
Organization
Mechanics
Presentation
Due Date and
Time
3 pts.
Good
Essay is written using an
approved title.
The essay is clear and
easily read. At no time is
the reader wondering what
the writer is trying to say.
There are 0-1 spelling,
punctuation, or grammar
errors.
The essay is written using
Times New Roman size
12-point font. All margins
are one inch and the essay
is one full page in length.
The essay is in on the date
and at the time specified or
extenuating circumstances
were documented.
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
Essay is not written using an
approved title.
Some aspects of the essay
are unclear, and the reader
is left wondering what the
writer is trying to say.
There are 2-3 spelling,
punctuation, or grammar
errors.
1 pt. Needs Much Improvement Pts.
N/A
Most aspects of the essay are
unclear, and the reader is left
wondering what the writer is
trying to say.
There are more than 3 spelling,
punctuation, or grammar errors.
One of the previously
described aspects is
missing.
More than one of the previously
described aspects is missing.
The essay was not turned in
on the date and at the time
specified. No extenuating
circumstances were
documented.
N/A
Total Points (15 pts.)
Comments:
21
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Name______________________________________
Date_______________________________________
Individual Work Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Follows directions
Student completed the work as directed,
following the directions given, in order and to the
level of quality indicated
Time management
Student used time wisely and remained on task
100% of the time
Organization
Student kept notes and materials in a neat,
legible, and organized manner. Information was
readily retrieved
Evidence of learning
Student documented information in his or her
own words and can accurately answer questions
related to the information retrieved
*Research/Gathering information (if relevant)
Student used a variety of methods and sources
to gather information. Student took notes while
gathering information
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
22
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Presentation Rubric
4 pts.
Excellent
Objectives
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Topic/Content
 Topic discussed completely and in-depth
 Includes properly cited sources (if used)
Creativity/Neatness
 Integrates a variety of multimedia effects to
create a professional presentation (transition
and graphics) or appropriate visual aid used
 Title slide, table of contents, bibliography are
included, using acceptable format
Mechanics
 Grammar, spelling, punctuation, and
capitalization are correct
 Image and font size are legible to the entire
audience
Oral Presentation
 Communicates with enthusiasm and eye
contact
 Voice delivery and projection are dynamic
and audible
Audience Interaction
 Presentation holds audience’s attention and
relates a clear message
 Clearly and effectively communicates the
content throughout the presentation
Total Points (20 pts.)
Comments:
23
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Name_______________________________________
Date_______________________________
Résumé Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
All and only important résumé parts
are included.
Order of résumé parts fits the
applicant's assets and position.
Résumé items highlight strengths of
the applicant.
White space, margins, and tabs
used effectively and attractively.
Strong action verbs are used.
Information is clearly provided.
Total Points (24 pts.)
Comments:
24
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Name:____________________________________
Date:_____________________________
Role Play Rubric
Objectives
4 pts.
Excellent
3 pts.
Good
2 pts. Needs Some
Improvement
1 pt. Needs Much
Improvement
N/A
Pts.
Relates to the audience
Provides fluent rendition of the
scenario
All required content is included
Acts with feeling and expression
Varies intonation
Presents characters appropriately
Gives the scenario its full range
Breaches are easily identified
Total Points (32 pts.)
Comments:
25
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