1. The Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian Influence on Democracy
Roots of Democracy
The Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian Influence on Democracy

2. Athens becomes the 1st Democracy
Athens is the world’s first direct democracy.
In a direct democracy, all citizens meet in one place to make the laws for the state. (town meeting)
The Athenian Government had many strengths, but it also had serious weaknesses. Athenian law denied citizenship to women, slaves and foreign residents.

3. The Death of Athens Athens political problems made it weak.
Socrates became a scapegoat for Athens problems.
When Sparta defeated Athens, it lead to a lack of confidence in democracy.
When Socrates was executed, his student Plato was convinced that most people lacked the wisdom needed to have a democratic government.

4. Plato’s “Republic” Plato wrote a book called “The Republic”
In this book he describes his ideal state which consists of the following:
Philosopher Kings
Skilled Administrators
The People

5. Aristotle’s “Politics”
Plato’s student Aristotle became the next great Greek philosopher.
He wrote a book called “Politics.”
In it he stated the following:
The main goal of every individual is to achieve happiness.
Since man is the only animal that can think, his life should be governed by reason
Man is by nature a political animal.

6. Greece Quick Review
How did the Greeks influence the development of democracy?
Government favors the many rather then the few.
Direct Democracy
Concept of citizenship (Although limited)
Socrates taught to question
Plato: leaders should be intelligent
Aristotle: People should be happy

7. Rome Develops a New Democracy
Romans were actively involved in their government.
They formed a Republic in which all government officials were elected by the people.
They also created a written legal code.

8. Roman Law Roman laws included the following:
All citizens had the right to protection under the law.
Laws could be changed by vote
Rome also structured their government into 3 branches.
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Romans felt that in times of crisis they should appoint a “temporary dictator” to solve the crisis.

9. Rome Quick Review
How did the Romans contribute to the development of democracy?
Representative Democracy
Republic: All government officials elected
Separation of Powers (3 Branches)
Legislative, Executive, Judicial
Senate is an example
Roman Written Legal Code

10. Before Judaism, what were the characteristics of most religions?
Polytheistic (Many gods)
People thought gods wanted sacrifices and rituals in their honor.

11. What did Hebrews (Judaism) believe?
One all powerful God
Monotheistic
People were created in God’s image
All people have dignity and divine spark
God wanted people to live moral lives
All can decide between good and evil.
How did this contribute to the development of democracy?
It emphasized the worth of the individual

12. Did the Hebrews have Laws?
Ten Commandments
What was their focus?
Morality and ethics
Strict and all had to obey…
…but God was merciful.

13. What did the prophets teach?
Everyone should:
Oppose injustice and oppression
Help those less fortunate
Life could be better on earth
An end to poverty
People are capable of good
Equality

14. Judeo-Christian Quick Review
How did the Judeo-Christian tradition contribute to the development of democracy?
All humans are special
Individual Responsibility
Everyone must obey the law
Fight against injustice