1. Background
In Ancient Greece, the citizens of Athens developed a new method of government that continues to change the world to this day.
Previously, a single ruler was in control of a Greek state and made all of the important decisions. This was called a monarchy.
The monarch model began to shift to an oligarchy, where a few people were in charge, and then to a democracy, where all citizens were responsible for running the state and making laws.
The word democracy comes from two Greek words, ‘demos’ (people) and ‘kratos’ (rule). In fact, democracy literally means ‘rule of the people’.
Greece

2. Background Greece Not everyone was able to vote, however.
Only property-owning Greek men could vote.
Greece is the birthplace of democracy, but not everyone was included as citizens. Women, poor, and non-Greeks were excluded from the process.
Although it was not perfect, the concept of having citizens select their leaders was a profound change to the ancient world.
Greece

3. Background
Around 500 BC, Athenian politician Cleisthenes helped reform the constitution to allow citizens to submit ideas for laws to vote on.
When citizens vote on laws, the process is called direct democracy. This was one step closer to full democracy as citizens’ rights continued to increase.
Greece

4. Background Greece Rome
Centuries later, the Romans adapted democratic rule where citizens elected politicians to debate and create laws.
This system was called a representative democracy, and the Roman government was called a republic.
Greece
Rome

5. Background Greece Rome England
In 1215AD, another monumental step toward democracy occurred. Most of Medieval Europeans lived in the feudal system, where peasants work the land for nobles and kings in exchange for protection.
English nobles forced King John to sign the Magna Carta, which limited the power of the king and guaranteed rights to commoners. It was the first time in history that commoners had rights written and signed into law.
Greece
Rome
England

6. Background Greece United States Rome England
In 1776, a new nation broke away from England with the Declaration of Independence and a Revolutionary War, creating a democratic republic. In the newly formed United States, only white, male property-owning citizens could vote. But after the Civil War and the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment, all races could vote and participate in the democratic process. By 1920, women could vote with the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment. Today, democratic reforms continue to take place around the world.
Greece
United States
Rome
England

7. Great Brains of the Enlightenment
Gallery Walk

8. Pair-Share What was the enlightenment?
What enlightenment philosophers contributed ideas to our form of government today and what were their ideas?

9. What was the Enlightenment?
An intellectual movement; thinkers used reason and the scientific method to help them understand their world especially in government
They said that God did not give people the right to rule
Instead, the right to rule came from the people.

11. Gallery Walk
STEP 1: Walk around the room and read the placards on the wall that describe the ideas of the important Enlightenment philosophers.
STEP 2: Complete the corresponding WORKSHEET: Gallery Walk – The Enlightenment Philosophers.
STEP 3: When you have finished, complete the wrap-up question on your worksheet.

12. Review Question
Which idea do you think was the most important to the development of Democracy and why? Be ready to share your answers with the class.

13. Review Game “Guess the Philosopher”
Directions: Read the excerpt and guess which philosopher had the most influence over it’s ideas.

14. John Locke
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
The Declaration of Independence

15. Becarria
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
The U.S. Constitution: Amendment V:

16. Montesquieu
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States…
The U.S. Constitution: Article I, section 9:

17. Rousseau
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Preamble: The U.S. Constitution

18. Blackstone
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause. . .
Amendment IV: The U.S. Constitution

19. Becarria
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury . . .and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VI : The U.S. Constitution

20. John Locke
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…
The Declaration of Independence

21. Montesquieu
Article. II ,Section. 1.The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America.
Article. I., Section 1 All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
Article III., Section 1: The judicial Power shall be vested in one supreme Court. . .
The U.S. Constitution

22. Becarria
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment VIII: The U.S. Constitution

23. Voltaire
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
Amendment I: The U.S. Constitution

24. Formative Assessment
Directions: Choose one of the major philosophers and explain their beliefs and
their effects on the democratic revolution.