Vocabulary Part 1 The Rise of Democratic Ideas

1. Greek Civilization- Created the first democracy only Athenian males could be citizens and vote conquered peoples could not become citizens three branches of government

2. Direct Democracy- a democratic government where the people suggest and pass laws, instead of electing representatives to do so

3. Socrates- Greek philosopher who encouraged students to question their most closely held beliefs in order to find virtue.

4. Plato- Student of Socrates who questioned ideas about government, and believed that society should be governed by the wisest citizens, not the richest.

5. Aristotle- Student of Plato, he questioned the ideas of the natural world, human belief and knowledge, and believed leaders should rule using fairness and reason.

Summary How did Greece contribute to America’s government? What is the same? What is different? Give an example.

6. Roman Civilization- Created the first Republic Also had 3 branches of government had two houses in the Legislative Branch, the Senate and Assembly unlike the Greeks, Roman law allowed for conquered peoples to become Roman citizens and vote

7. Republic- A type of government where the citizens have the right to elect representative leaders who then vote on all laws.

8. Oligarchy- a government ruled by a few powerful people

9. Monarchy- A government ruled by a King with absolute power over his subjects.

10. Twelve Tables (450bc)- twelve stone tablets that were the first written laws for the Roman Empire

11. Justinian Code ( ad)- The first book of written laws; the code contained nearly 5,000 Roman laws.

Summary How did Rome contribute to America’s government? What is the same? What is different? Give an example.