Starter Question
Please pick-up a slip of paper and answer the
following question…
In what ways have the ancient Greeks
influenced our way of life today? List as
many things as you can.
A Democratic Constitution
When Peisistratus died, his sons took over as leaders
of Athens
Not long after, their government was overthrown by
the Spartans
In 508 B.C., the Spartans were overthrown by a noble
named Cleisthenes
A year later, Cleisthenes put into effect the world’s first
constitution that was democratic, or favoring
equality of all people
◦ Gave citizens of Athens freedom of speech
Cleisthenes opened the Assembly to all males over 20
years old
◦ Assembly chose generals for army/navy and judges
Athens is known to be the
birthplace of democracy
Athens Government
The Council of Five Hundred handled the
daily business of Athens
The names of 500 citizens were drawn
from a large pot (chosen by lot)
Under the rule of Cleisthenes, citizens were
required to educate their sons starting
when they were 7 years old
When they turned 18, Athenian males
became citizens in Athens
◦ Took an oath of citizenship to make Athens a
better place in front of family and friends
Chart and Skills Activity
We will be completing the Chapter 10 Chart and
Graph Activity as a group
1. What branch of government sets the agenda for the Assembly?
2. What indicates that the government of Athens was truly
democratic?
3. What members of Athenian society could not be part of the
government?
Monarchy
Definition: A government ruled by a king or queen
Where Used: Both Athens and Sparta
When Used: 700 B.C.
Benefits: 1. One person making laws 2. Consistency 3.
Know who the ruler is and the next in line
Disadvantages: 1. Few have a say in government 2.
Same person ruler
Oligarchy
Definition: Government in which a few people rule
Where Used: Both Athens and Sparta
When Used: Sparta (800 B.C.) Athens (750 B.C.)
Benefits: 1. More have a say in government
Disadvantages: 1. Only a handful make choices for
the community
Democracy
Definition: A government favoring equality of all people
Where Used: Athens (The birthplace of Democracy)
When Used: 508 B.C.
Benefits: 1. All citizens have a voice in government 2.
Limit of years allowed to serve 3. Change in those in
charge
Disadvantages: Changes are slow to make
Closing Question
On the back of your yellow Forms of
Government Chart, explain 1 of the benefits and
disadvantages of a Democracy