Government Systems
In this system of government, citizens directly vote on all laws and policies rather than electing leaders to decide for them.
What is a direct democracy?
Posted in the Roman Forum in 451 BCE on bronze tablets, this written code made citizens' rights clearer and protected them under the law.
What are the Twelve Tables?
This ancient Greek city-state is famous for creating the world's first direct democracy.
What is Athens?
This Roman Emperor legalized Christianity, which led to its rapid spread with government support throughout the empire.
Who is Emperor Constantine?
Located in Rome, this massive ancient amphitheater is an iconic example of Roman architectural design.
What is the Colosseum?
The Roman Republic operated under this system, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions and vote on laws on their behalf.
What is a representative republic?
Serving on a jury, voting in elections, and obeying all laws are prime examples of these duties required of citizens.
What are civic responsibilities (or political obligations)?
Boys in this militaristic Greek city-state were enrolled in harsh training programs to build physical endurance and discipline starting at age seven.
What is Sparta?
Political corruption and foreign invaders were two major factors that contributed to the fall of both the Roman Empire and this Asian empire.
What is the Han Dynasty?
Described by Frontinus as indispensable structures carrying water at various elevations, these Roman engineering marvels supplied cities with freshwater.
What are aqueducts?
Ancient Sparta was ruled by this type of government, which is characterized by power held by a small group of military elites or wealthy leaders.
What is an oligarchy?
Similar to the Ten Commandments, the Twelve Tables served this main purpose for societal order.
What is setting rules for behavior?
Greece's geography and direct access to this body of water provided easy access to trade routes that helped it grow.
What is the Mediterranean Sea?
Immediately following the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Western Europe entered a long period characterized by this condition.
What is disorder and weak central government?
Roman aqueducts supplied water across the empire not only for practical public and private uses, but also for these decorative urban features.
What are fountains and public basins?
Unlike a republic, this system of government is ruled by a single king who holds total power.
What is an absolute monarchy?
In ancient Athens, this specific social class held exclusive privileges, such as holding political positions and voting on laws.
Who are citizens?
Aside from citizens and enslaved people, this resident alien class made up a major part of Athenian social structure.
Who are metics?
This Near Eastern empire, governed as a monarchy under Cyrus and Darius, practiced Zoroastrianism and was known for political tolerance in conquered areas.
What is the Persian Empire?
While Roman architecture featured arches and aqueducts, ancient Greece influenced later cultures through building projects like canals and monumental structures like this famous temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
What is the Parthenon?
Under the Roman Republic, power was divided among multiple bodies—such as the Senate, Assembly of the Centuries, and Tribal Assembly—supported by this fundamental concept of governance.
What is the separation of powers (or checks and balances)?
The Law of the Twelve Tables influenced modern Western government by establishing this foundational legal principle that serves as a written framework for society.
What is the creation of a written constitution?
In his famous work Politics, this Greek philosopher argued that citizens must know each other well enough to sensibly elect officials and serve on juries.
Who is Aristotle?
Under the Roman Republic's executive branch, these two elected officials served as leaders who had to agree on policies before taking action.
Who are Consuls (the Consulate)?
The Twelve Tables were publicly displayed in this central open space, which served as the heart of Roman legal, political, and public life.
What is the Roman Forum?