Forms of Government
This term refers to a privaleged class of people, often hereditary, who held land, titles, and power in society.
What is an Aristocracy?
Judeo-Christian traditions influenced democratic ideals by emphasizing this concept—that all individuals are created equal and have inherent worth and moral responsibility.
What is the belief in the equality and dignity of all people?
Aristotle believed that this social group was the most stable and best suited to govern, because they were less likely to be driven by wealth or poverty.
What is the middle class?
The Reformation helped lay the groundwork for democracy by encouraging this idea—that individuals could interpret religious texts for themselves and challenge authority.
What is individual freedom of conscience?
This Mesopotamian civilization created city-states with councils of elders, an early form of collective decision-making.
What is Sumeria?
This form of government, first practiced in ancient Athens, gives power to the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
What is a Democracy?
Greco-Roman traditions helped shape modern democracy by introducing these two key ideas: citizens participating in government and laws based on reason rather than tradition.
What are direct participation and written legal codes?
According to Aristotle, the best political community is formed by this group, which he believed was most likely to act in the interest of the common good.
What is the middle class?
The Renaissance helped pave the way for democracy by reviving classical ideas and promoting this belief—that individuals have worth, reason, and the ability to shape their own society.
What is Humanism?
Egyptian pharaohs were seen as divine rulers, contrasting with this democratic idea that leaders should be accountable to the people.
What is popular sovereignty?
This type of government is ruled by a king or queen, often with power passed down through a royal family line.
What is a monarchy?
The Ten Commandments contributed to democratic traditions by reinforcing the idea that laws should apply to everyone equally, including leaders, and be based on this ethical foundation.
What is a moral code?
During the Renaissance and Reformation, European thinkers revived ideas from ancient Greece, including reason, individualism, and civic responsibility, helping to lay the foundation for this modern political system.
What is democracy?
This Persian ruler was known for respecting local customs and laws, which influenced ideas of tolerance and governance.
Who is Cyrus the Great?
Sumerian writing, known as cuneiform, helped preserve laws and civic records, supporting this democratic principle.
What is legal documentation?
In this type of government, power is held by a small group of people, often based on wealth, military strength, or social status.
What is an oligarchy?
Islamic ethical teachings, such as justice, equality before God, and the protection of individual rights, helped shape democratic ideals by promoting this core democratic value.
What is the rule of law?
This Greek leader expanded democracy in Athens by increasing participation among citizens.
Who is Pericles?
The Persian Wars united Greek city-states and strengthened this political system in Athens.
What is democracy?
The Assyrians’ use of provincial governors and military oversight reflected early ideas of this democratic structure.
What is checks and balances?
In this form of government, leaders are elected by citizens to represent their interests, and power is not inherited through royal bloodlines.
What is a republic?
Both Judeo-Christian and Greco-Roman traditions emphasized this key democratic principle—that individuals have value and a role in shaping laws and society.
What is individual responsibility and participation in civic life?
This Greek city-state is considered the birthplace of democracy, where citizens could vote directly on laws.
What is Athens?
Unlike the democratic practices of Athens, the Persian Empire was ruled by this type of government.
What is a monarchy?
Though not democratic, these ancient civilizations laid the groundwork for democracy by emphasizing law, order, and civic organization.
What are Egypt, Sumeria, Babylon, and Assyria?