UNIT 1 .1

Origins of Principles

Mr. Bravo

Objective

Learning Objective:Explain the influences of Ancient Greek and

Roman governments on the development of American Democracy? (Democracy/Republic)

Do Now

Democracy: rule by the people.Republic: political system in which

the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who elect people to represent them.

Greek Influences on Democracy

Ancient Greece is widely credited with creating the world’s first democracy.

Democracy is a Greek word combining the roots for people (“demos-”) & rule (“-kratia”).

In Greek democracy, political power was concentrated not in the hands of one person, or even a small group of people, but rather evenly and fairly distributed among all the people*. *For purposes of Greece, “people” means “free adult

males”

Greek Influences on Democracy

Greek philosophers believed that tyrants were self-serving (looked after their own interests, not the people they ruled over).

If government is to bring order under corrupt power holders, then power must be placed in the hands of all the people.

Thus, the Greeks gave us Direct Democracy. They actively participated in all aspects of government.

Greek Influences on Democracy

The main legislative (law making) body was called the Assembly and it was comprised of no less than the first 6,000 citizens to arrive at its meetings. Jury duty was an honor, not a burden! Even membership in civic institutions such as serving

in the Supreme Court was chosen by lot! Hence, any random (but free) Jesse Katsopolis could

potentially be your top law-making entity.

We’ve got a FULL

HOUSE!

Greek Influences on Democracy

Compared with American democracy, the Athenian version seems simplistic and naïve (sarcasm).

Would you believe they placed more emphasis on eloquence and rationality than on demagogues and fear-mongering?

Thankfully (?), this type of humane governance was eradicated in less than two centuries when Philip of Macedon invaded (c. 300 BC), sealing the fate of the noble and enlightened to be forever crushed by the armed and dumb. (Nerds/Jocks)

Times Are A Changin’

Summary (Write Down)

Democracy = “people” & “rule” (demos-/-kratia)

Replace self-serving tyrants (say the Greek philosophers)

Greeks gave us direct democracy, wherein citizens participated in all aspects of government.

Put power in the hands of the “people” (*)The Assembly was the governing body.Characterized by eloquence and rationality.

Roman Influence on Democracy

The fall of the Greeks was followed by the emergence of Rome.

Formed a Republic.At first glance, its people* appear to have

enjoyed a system of representative government similar to ours where we elect our leaders. *For purposes of Rome, “people” means “free adult

males with property” (Do you sense a pattern?)But don’t let that representative stuff fool

you!

Roman Influence on Democracy

Behind the façade of “representative” lurked a de facto oligarchy ruled by entrenched plutocrats (people w/ $$$).

America’s Founding Fathers also borrowed many ideas from the Roman model including: the bicameral legislature (2 houses), emphasis on republicanism and civic virtue, and a Freudian fascination w/ big white columns (architecture).

Roman Influence on Democracy

However, there was actually very little democracy going on compared to the Greeks.

While the Senate theoretically represented the people, in reality, its wealthy members covertly pursued pro-business legislation.

Any similarity to recent events is just

a coincidence!

Summary (Write Down)

After overthrowing a tyrant king, Romans formed a republic w/ representative democracy.

Romans gave us a means to have rule by the people in a more efficient way (public order).

Contributions: bicameral legislature, republicanism/civic virtue and architecture.

Power (write this down)

Power corrupts!

If we did not follow set rules (and did as we pleased) this would lead to people hurting others in their attempts to please themselves.

We give up some power in order to be protected from a greater power (a trade-off). Give up something to gain something.

Power (write this down) cont…

Yet when we give up power to the government, we must also ensure that its power is limited so it will not hurt us in turn.

As such, government’s purpose must be to protect us from the abuse of power by: Maintaining social order Providing public services that promote general welfare Providing national security Making economic decisions

Exit Ticket

Watch the following video clips: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5lQA3bipHc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MeEd8Nl9a4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpL6Fwu0wkw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvkuePL7oDY What is your definition of power? Write one

paragraph.