Vocabulary
A an early city that was like a small independent country with its own laws and government
city-state
In ancient Greek city-states, the monarch was usually called a what?
A king
What type of person became an oligarch?
Wealthy aristrocrats who had inherited land from their family.
How was a tyrant able to seize power?
Tyrants typically had the backing of the military.
Which Greek city-state first experimented with democracy?
Athens
A form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of one person called a __________ (need to give the name of the type of government and the person involved)
monarchy. monarch
At first, how were monarchs typically placed into power in ancient Greece and how did it change over time?
At first, kings were chosen by the people of a city-state. Eventually, they demanded that their power in inherited by a child, usually a first-born son.
What were the lives of oligarchs like?
They lived comfortable lives, hunting and chariot racing during the day and enjoying parties at night.
In what two ways is a tyrant different from a monarch?
Tyrants typically seize their power illegally and are not able to pass power onto their sons.
How was Greek democracy different from democracy in the United States?
Greek democracy was a direct democracy. Every citizen voted on every issue. We have a representative democracy.
A a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of a few people called __________ (give name of government and the people involved)
Oligarchy, aristocrats
What powers did ancient Greek kings have? (must be able to name at least 3)
They made laws, acted as judges, conducted religious ceremonies, and led armies in battle. They used soldiers to punish people who disobeyed the law or did not pay taxes.
How did the poor people fare during the rule of oligarchies?
The poor worked all day in the fields and noticed the vast difference between their lives and the lives of the oligarchs.
What types of changes did tyrants make after replacing the oligarchs?
Gave more rights to the poor; passed laws that helped the poor; sometimes even cancelled their debts.
What was the name of the law-making group in Greek democracy?
The Assembly
A form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of one person who is not a lawful king called a ___________________. (Give name of government and the name of the person)
tyranny, tyrant
Who were the council of aristocrats?
A group of powerful and wealthy men who advised and provided supplies for the king.
Why did the common people become upset with the oligarchs?
The oligarchs passed laws that made life difficult or the poor. Farmers could be sold into slavery if they could not pay their debts.
On what were tyrants dependent in order to seize power from the oligarchs?
The support of the people.
What were some problems with Greek democracy?
People were sometimes persuaded by powerful speakers. Also, the Assemblies often reversed important decisions soon after passing them.
A form of government where ruling power is shared by all _____________. (give name of government and name of the people involved)
democracy, citizens
Why did the monarchs eventually lose power in Greek city-states?
The aristocrats realized that, as a group, they were more powerful than the king and overthrew him.
How did the oligarchies lose power?
The poor turned for help to military leaders who pledged to improve the lives of the poor.
How did tyrants eventually lose power?
They were overthrown by the people.
What did most city-states do in reaction to the problems with democracy?
They reverted to earlier forms of government.