Unit 1: Lesson 3 Early Greece

Lesson Objective:10.1.3

10.1.3: Students relate the moral and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, in Judaism, and in Christianity to the development of Western political thought. Consider the influence of the U.S. Constitution on political systems in the contemporary world.

Lesson Introduction:

Much of what we know today of political systems, including many Democratic principles, western culture, architecture, philosophy and even the cultural blending of many nations, can be traced back to the land of ancient Greece. As you read through this chapter about the beginnings of Greek history, you will discover the interactions between the Mycenaeans, Minoans and early Dorian civilizations and the classical heritage they planted. Many of our current political systems, including democracy, aristocracy, and oligarchy, can be traced to the early forms of government established by the Greek city-states.

In this lesson, the student should focus on the impact early Greek philosophy and government has on the modern world, including the U.S. Constitution.

Key Terms: Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, checks and balances, federal system, Bill of Rights, direct democracy, philosopher, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle

Reading Assignment:

● Chapter 5, Section 3-4● Chapter 22, Section 4

Self-check Questions:

1. What was the Parthenon?a. Templeb. Courtc. Olympic Training Facilitiesd. Philosopher’s Corn

2. Which of the following cultures were not represented in the cultural blend of Hellenistic culture?A. IndianB. PersianC. ChineseD. Egyptian

3. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?A. John LockeB. Samuel AdamsC. Thomas Jefferson*D. Benjamin Franklin

4. Which of the following was created by the Articles of Confederation?A. the CongressB. The Supreme CourtC. the office of the PresidentD. the office of the Vice-President

5. The idea of direct democracy is explained inA. A Vindication of the Rights of WomanB. The Social ContractC. On Crimes and PunishmentsD. On the Spirits of Laws

Application Assignment:

See “Unit 2” for assignment.

Speedback Questions:

1. Which of the following groups fought in the Peloponnesian War?A. Athens and SpartaB. Greece and PersiaC. Athens and ThebesD. Greece and Macedonia

2. The Bill of Rights was influenced by A. John AdamsB. John LockeC. Jean Jacques RousseauD. all of the above

3. In which form of government was rule based at least partially on wealth?A. oligarchy and monarchyB. democracy and aristocracyC. aristocracy and oligarchyD. monarchy and aristocracy

4. Which of the following did the Enlightenment promote?A. a belief in progressB. a more secular outlookC. faith in scienceD. all of the above

5. How did the Declaration of Independence embody Enlightenment ideas?A. It stated that all titles of nobility should be abolishedB. It protected the rights of the accused and prohibited cruel punishmentC. It set up a system of checks and balances for the U.S. governmentD. It said that people have rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Final Exam Questions:

1. In which form of government did heredity play no role in the selection of rulers?A. monarchy and oligarchyB. aristocracy and monarchyC. oligarchy and aristocracyD. democracy and oligarchy

2. In general, the philosophes believed in all of the following ideas EXCEPTA. expanding women’s rightsB. the pursuit of happinessC. progress of societyD. freedom of religion

© 2013 Cassidy Baker