The History of Government
Ancient Greece
Aristotle believed that the citizens of a successful state must allow for a diversity of opinions.
Democracy began in Greek city-states. Each Greek city-state had its own form of government.
Greeks strongly influenced American democracy by allowing citizens to participate in government.
All citizens in ancient Athens took part in government by voting in the General Assembly.
TERMS
In a direct democracy, all citizens vote on important issues.
A bicameral legislature is made up of two bodies.
A republic is a form of government where elected officials represent the people.
The biggest difference between government in ancient Athens and in ancient Rome is that in Athens all
citizens were allowed to vote. Rome was a republic.
Women being allowed to vote in the United States would surprise an ancient Athenian about government.
The United States Constitution
The United States today differ from government in ancient Athens because we live in a republic?
The framers of the United States Constitution borrowed the idea of a legislative branch with two main
bodies from Athens.
Because the framers of the United States Constitution were concerned about citizens having too much
power, they created a republic.
A bicameral legislature separates powers, keeping one body from gaining too much power.
Impact of Religion on Government
Judeo-Christian principles refer to the religious beliefs and values held in common by Christians and
Jews
The Ten Commandments are a list of rules for living and worshiping.
Three of the Ten Commandments can be found in the laws of the United States?
In addition to Judeo-Christian principles, American government was influenced by principles first used in
ancient Greece and in Rome.
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Introduction to Government
Ancient Greece
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Terms to Define
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The United States Constitution
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Impact of Religion on Government
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