Rise of Democratic Ideas
Outline
• Legacy of Greece and Rome– A Limited Democracy– Greek Changes– A Roman Republic
• Democracy in England– Reform of Law– Growth of Parliament– A Constitutional
Monarchy
A Limited Monarchy
• Many different governments formed in Greek city-states around 2000 B.C.– Monarchy – Rule by king– Aristocracy – Rule by nobility– Oligarchy – Rule by small
groups of citizens– Democracy – Rule by citizens
• Greece – Athens, the largest city-state, began an early form of democracy
Greek Changes
• Following the Persian Wars, Athenians looked to a man named Pericles– Increased paid public
officials– Expanded gov’t
participation to the poor
• Democracy would last in Greece until the fall of Athens to Macedonia
A Roman Republic
• Romans began ruling Italian peninsula around 600 B.C.
• Developed a Republic, in which people elected rulers to make decisions
• Biggest impacts:– Separation of powers– Written legal code– View of citizen as PART of
state rather than a SUBJECT
Reform of Law
• 1066 – William of Normandy defeats British, begins changes– End of feudalism– Centralized gov’t– Development of democracy
• Henry II (descendant of William) rules from 1154-1189– Established juries and the
use of common law
Growth of Parliament
• John, another successor, would rule from 1199-1216– Upset nobles in 1215 with
high taxes to pay for war– Magna Carta signed in 1215
• Major source for individual rights
• Parliament made up of nobles also created to represent the people
• Over the years, Parliament would gain more rights and responsibilities
3-2-1 Exit Slip
• 3 things you learned
• 2 things you found interesting
• 1 thing you still have questions about