Power Who has it? Who wants it? What are they doing with it?

What is Government?  Government: a system for controlling society  For much of history, people lived under the rule of kings or rulers with absolute power Opposite of democracy Opposite of democracy  First democracies=GREECE & ROME

The Land & Early History of Greece Greece lies at the tip of the Balkan Peninsula. The terrain of Greece is very mountainous. Most of Greece is not suitable for large scale farming because of poor soil. Olives and grapes tend to do well, but most other crops are difficult to grow.

The Land & Early History of Greece The mountainous terrain made it very difficult to travel around in Greece before modern transportation. The water surrounding Greece became a very important resource for the early Greeks. It provided them with food and transportation for trade. Eventually, the Greeks would become skilled sailors.

The Land & Early History of Greece As the population of Greece grew, cities began to pop up all over the mountainous region. These cities were isolated from each other, causing each to develop it’s own unique customs & cultures. These were called “City-States.”

The Land & Early History of Greece A city-state included a central city, called a polis, and surrounding villages. All of the ancient Greek city-states had their own laws and style of government. Some of the most famous historical city-states are Athens & Sparta.

The Land & Early History of Greece Though each city-state thought of itself as independent, they were all united by a language, religion, and way of life. When foreign enemies would threaten them, the “Greeks” would unite.

The Land & Early History of Greece 3 main types of government existed among the city- states of ancient Greece. Oligarchies, Democracies, & Autocracies

The Land & Early History of Greece An oligarchy is a system in which a few powerful, wealthy individuals rule. It translates in Greek as “rule by the few.” Sparta was an oligarchy.

The Land & Early History of Greece Some Greek city-states established early forms of democracy. In a democracy, a government receives power from its people. It translates in Greek as “rule by the people.” Athens was a democracy.

The Land & Early History of Greece Every once in a while, a single individual would take total power in a city-state. These individuals were known as tyrants, and their governments were known as autocracies.

Athens Athens was one of the largest and most important of the Greek city-states. Athens was known for it’s powerful navy, democratic government, and cultural achievements.

Athens The citizens of Athens would decide how Athens should be governed. They were allowed to debate and vote on laws. They were allowed to debate and vote on laws. This type of citizenship was not available to: Women, Slaves, & Foreigners

Sparta Sparta was a very powerful and influential city-state. Sparta was ruled by an upper class of citizens, and was known for it’s emphasis on physical perfection. Because of this emphasis, Sparta was able to field the greatest warriors in all of Greece..

Why Remember Greek Democracy? Believed citizens should have a say in gov’t Believed citizens should have a say in gov’t Voting public debate making laws serving on juries holding office  The Greeks developed 3 branches of Government! legislative to make laws executive to carry out laws judicial to interpret laws in dispute

The Beginnings of Ancient Rome In the earliest days of what would be the mighty Roman Empire, it resembled little more than a scattered group of villages. Farmers settled along the banks of the Tiber River in central Italy. These people may have grown various crops and/or raised a variety of livestock.

The Beginnings of Ancient Rome In order to protect themselves from outside invaders, the people of these scattered villages decide to unite. Around 750 BC, these farmers established a city. They called it…… ROME

The Beginnings of Ancient Rome In the early days of this new city, it was ruled by a series of kings. In the mid-500’s BC, Rome came to be ruled by a series of tyrannical Etruscan kings. The people revolted. They were victorious & wanted to establish a “rule of the people.”

The Beginnings of Ancient Rome After 200 years of kingship, Rome became a republic. A republic is a nation in which the power belongs to the citizens, who govern themselves through elected representatives. For the most part, only the wealthiest could be elected as a representative.

Who had the Power?  Two classes patricians = aristocrats (landowners), inherited power patricians = aristocrats (landowners), inherited power plebeians = working class (farmers, merchants, artisans) plebeians = working class (farmers, merchants, artisans) Citizens who had the right to vote, banned from most powerful govt positionsCitizens who had the right to vote, banned from most powerful govt positions fought over their power in government, gained more powerfought over their power in government, gained more power  2 branches of government: executive -2 consuls executive -2 consuls legislative – the SENATE (patricians) legislative – the SENATE (patricians)  In time of crisis, dictator allowed 6-month term

The Beginnings of Ancient Rome Those who were elected as representatives, would serve in the Senate. The Roman Senate was an assembly of these elected representatives. The Senate was the most powerful ruling body in the Roman Republic.

Societal Structure of Ancient Rome In the early days of the Republic, the Senate was made up of mostly “patricians.” A patrician was a member of a wealthy, landowning family who claimed to be able to trace it’s roots back to the founding of Rome. Only patricians could be judges. This meant that they controlled the interpretation of law, just as judges do today.

Societal Structure of Ancient Rome One step down the social ladder, we find the working-class citizens. An ordinary, working male citizen of ancient Rome-such as a farmer or craftsman-was called a plebian. Plebian’s could always vote, but it wasn’t until 287 BC that hey were allowed to run for Senate.

Societal Structure of Ancient Rome Just as in Athens, citizenship was not open to slaves, women, & foreigners. Eventually foreigners in conquered territories would be allowed to become citizens

Roman Written Law Roman Written Law  When laws were not written down, patricians often “interpreted” laws in whatever ways suited them  Plebians demanded that laws be written down  Importance: all free citizens had the right to protection of law & LAWS APPLY EQUALLY TO EVERYONE !!!

Fundamental Roman Laws  Laws apply equally to all citizens  A person is considered innocent until proven guilty  The burden of proof rests with the accuser  A person is punished only for actions, not for thoughts  Unreasonable or unfair laws can be set aside

Why remember the Roman Republic?  Laws apply equally to everyone  Written law  Republic=representative democracy

Quick Video on Ancient Rome  11izBQ 11izBQ 11izBQ  3 minutes