1. Rise of Democratic Ideas (Ancient Greece and Rome)
Prologue Section 1

2. What was Plato’s political philosophy for ancient Greece?
Society best served if “philosopher kings” control power
Government should be controlled by upper class
Only best-educated, most intelligent should participate in government

3. What was Aristotle’s political philosophy for ancient Greece?
Society best served if middle class controls power
Government must follow a set of laws to maintain stability (“government by laws, not men”)
Both rich & poor should participate in the government

4. How did the first democracy develop in ancient Greece?
Each city-state had their own government (Athens)
The Assembly became the major political institution (made laws)
Pericles increased number of paid officials (poor citizens could serve)
All citizens required to take part in government (direct democracy)

5. How did democracy develop in the Roman Empire?
The Twelve Tables became basis for all future law (Justinian’s Code)
They created executive & legislative branches of government
Public officials (representatives) were elected to office to serve (Republic)
Citizens were required to pay taxes & serve in military (in exchange for social order)

6. Rise of Democratic Ideas (Judeo-Christian Tradition)
Prologue Section 2

7. How did Judaism contribute to the rise of democracy?
Hebrews (Jews) believed in one god
In 1200 BCE, God gave Moses a written code of laws (The Ten Commandments)
The laws focused on morality & ethics, not politics
Hebrews strongly believed the community should help the less fortunate

8. How did Christianity become the official religion of the Roman Empire?
Jesus preached love for God & Jewish tradition (Ten Commandments)
When his teachings threatened Jewish priests & the Romans, they had him killed
His followers spread his message (Christianity) throughout the Roman Empire
It became the official religion of the Roman Empire (by 380 CE)

9. What are some of the early ancient influences on democracy?
Greece practiced direct democracy (all citizens vote directly on issues)
Romans practiced representative democracy or republic (people elect representatives)
Judeo-Christians believed in individual worth, equality for all, & concern for community

11. How did the Renaissance and Reformation contribute democracy?
During the Renaissance, thinkers became concerned about earthly life (secular)
They also focused on the importance of the individual
People began to challenge the authority of absolute monarchs & the Catholic Church
The Reformation (Luther) criticized Church practices & led to Protestant movement

12. Rise of Democratic Ideas (Democracy in England)
Prologue Section 3

13. How did the nobles limit the power of England’s monarchy?
King was forced to sign the Magna Carta, limiting his power
He had to govern according to law (ex.: due process of law)
Kings used members of the nobility as their council of advisers
King Edward I established the Model Parliament (taxes, laws)

14. What is Common Law?

15. How did Parliament gain power over the monarchy?
Parliament used “power of the purse” to gain influence over the king
King Charles I accepted Petition of Right to get funds (dismissed Parliament)
1642- English Civil War saw anti-royalists (Parliament) defeat Royalists (monarchy)
Cromwell became military dictator, had Charles I executed

17. What led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy?
1660- Parliament invited son of Charles I to take the throne (Restoration)
Charles II died & his brother James II (Roman Catholic) became king
1689- Glorious Revolution left William & Mary as constitutional monarchs
Parliament established English Bill of Rights (limited monarchy’s power)

18. What did the English Bill of Rights guarantee?

19. What influences led to the rise of modern democracy?
Judeo-Christian tradition stressed individual worth, equality of all, & community concern
England established common law, Bill of Rights, & due process of law
Renaissance & Reformation contributed natural laws, challenged church authority
Enlightenment added social contract, natural rights, & separation of powers