1. Do Now Please get out something to write with. Please grab a piece of paper from the stack and write your name and the date in the top right-hand corner.

2. Origins of Western Political Ideas of Rule of Law CA Standard 10.1.2 – Trace the development of the Western Political ideas of the rule of law and illegitimacy of tyranny, using selections from Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Politics Not only did the Greeks have influence on government and law, but also rule of law (who should have the power) and which was the best for the people

3. Tyranny In Greece, tyrant = any leader who took over a government (Doesn’t mean what it means today = a leader who takes power illegally) Tyranny = gained support of people = step towards democracy However…like a king, the tyrant held all the power = problems with rule…

4. Greek thinkers - philosophers (lovers of wisdom) saw how different forms of government, including tyranny, affected society Plato and Aristotle had new ideas about truth, reason, justice, government and who should control the government

5. Plato Beliefs Individuals have strengths that can benefit society Role determined by talent- meritocracy Education key to good citizenship - educated seek wisdom and justice, not wealth and power Ideal Government Democracy is “mob rule” by ignorant people Monarchy dangerous - leader has too much freedom to rule = tyranny Power and wisdom united in same person (philosopher-kings)

6. Aristotle Beliefs People not born good but learn to be good through education Philosophers should be independent spirits- beyond trivia of politics Everyone educated and participate for the good of society Ideal Government Monarchy - if the tyrant could be trusted to not act selfishly (but they can’t) Democracy least dangerous, but people may think they are equal in every way Best form of gov’t would be rule by educated members of the middle class

7. Briefing on Plato and Aristotle Each person in the group will receive a briefing on Plato and Aristotle Each group member will read a section of the handout and lead a discussion of the questions following that section All members of the group must complete the questions on their own paper Your briefing questions are due at the end of the period