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