Ancient Influences on US Government

Influences

100

What is the significance of Hammurabi's Code in law?

It was the first recorded system of laws that established rules and consequences for the people.  Influenced all modern systems of law.

200

How did ancient Greece influence modern democracy?

Introduced the concept of democracy, where citizens could vote and participate in their government at the scale of a nation.  Sets up the path for modern democracies.

300

What role did ancient Rome play in shaping the U.S. Government?

Ancient Rome established the idea of a republic, which introduced elected representatives and divided government responsibilities.  Influenced the structure of the U.S. Congress

400

Describe the direct democracy of Athens.

• In Athens, direct democracy allowed citizens to vote directly on laws and policies rather than electing representatives to make those decisions.

500

What is the impact of the Council of 500?

• The Council of 500 was vital for Athenian governance as it represented a broader citizen participation in politics, influencing the idea of representative government.

Key Terms

100

What is civic participation?

Civic participation refers to the active engagement of citizens in the political process, including voting and community involvement.

200

Define a legislative body.

• A legislative body is a group of representatives who are responsible for making laws, such as Congress in the U.S.

300

Explain voting rights.

• Voting rights are the entitlements that allow individuals to participate in elections, which have evolved to include broader access for all citizens.

400

What does the rule of law mean?

• Rule of law means that laws apply equally to all individuals, and no one is above the law.

500

What is trial by jury?

• Trial by jury is a legal process where a group of citizens is tasked with determining the outcome of a trial, ensuring fairness and representation.

History

100

What were the 13 British colonies?

• The 13 British colonies included regions such as Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York, which later formed the United States.

200

Which European countries were the primary sponsors of the colonies in America?

Great Britain, France, Germany, Holland, and Sweden

300

Why was autonomy (the ability to make decisions for themselves) important for the early colonists?

• Autonomy allowed colonists to govern themselves and adapt their laws and customs to their unique circumstances, fostering a sense of independence.

400

What challenges did early colonists face?

• Early settlers faced challenges such as harsh climates, conflicts with Indigenous peoples, and difficulties in establishing sustainable communities.

500

How did the Renaissance influence government?

• The Renaissance revived interest in classical ideas of governance, emphasizing reason, individual rights, and civic responsibility, which influenced modern democratic thought.

Democracy

100

Define democracy.

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives.

200

What is a republic?

• A republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a "public matter," and officials are accountable to the citizens.

300

Explain the concept of checks and balances.

Checks and balances is a system that ensures no part of government becomes too powerful, with each part having some measure of influence over the others.

400

What is the significance of the separation of powers?

• The separation of powers divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

500

How do modern democracies reflect ancient practices?

• Modern democracies incorporate principles from ancient governance, such as civic participation, representation, and rule of law, while adapting them to contemporary societies.