Name: __________________________________ Date: ________________________ Page: ___
DBQ Document Analysis Practice:
Comparing the Roman Republic and the U.S. Government
Document 1:
1. According to the document, what form of government did the Roman Republic have? Does the document support your
own opinion of what kind of government the Roman Republic have? Why or why not?
2. How was the Roman system of government arranged?
Document 2:
3. What rights did Roman men enjoy as citizens?
4. Based on last class's notes, name two groups of people who were not eligible to be Roman citizens?
Document 3:
5. Which principle prevents a government from becoming too powerful?
6. Which principle do you believe is the most important and why?
Document 4:
7. List the similarities you find in the Twelve Tables and the Bill of Rights.
8. List the differences you find in the Twelve Tables and the Bill of Rights.
Document 5:
9. When the Romans overthrew their Etruscan king, they chose to set up a republic rather than a new monarchy of their
own. Why do you think they would have set up a republic?
Document 6:
10. What is a citizen of the Roman Republic required to do? Is this similar or not to the civic duties of an American
citizen? How or how not?
Document 7:
11.What does Cincinattus' (and other dictators') willingness to give up power suggest about their opinions towards the
republic?
Document 8:
12. Using the document, explain how the government of the Roman Republic is different than the government of the U.S.
Make at least THREE comparisons.
Document 10:
13. Who does Charles Mullett suggest - in addition to 'the Washingtons and the Lees' - should be considered founding
fathers? Why does Mullett make this argument? Do you agree or disagree?
Document 11:
14. To what does Adams credit the greatness of Rome and its government?
15. Based on the passage, can you deduce that the 'Founding Fathers' such as John Adams were familiar with the classical
forms of government? Why or why not?