GREEK AND ROMAN

GOVERNMENTS

Where does American government really begin?

The Greeks Greece was divided

into small city-states, which included the cities and surrounding lands.

Gathered in the agora, or an open space in the center of the city, where men discussed politics.

The Greeks Each city-state was

independent and chose the form of government which worked best for them.

The earliest form was a monarchy, or ruled by a king.

The Greeks Each individual within

a city-state has a say in government.

They debated issues, voted on laws, and were loyal to the city-state government.

In return, they received certain protections from that government.

The Romans Rome was

organized as a republic.

A republic is government in which citizens choose representatives to speak for them and make laws for them.

The Romans

Executive – enforces laws and has two

leaders

Legislative – includes the

Senate and the assemblies and was responsible for making laws.

Judicial – include 8 judges who

served one year terms. They

interpreted laws in court.

The republican government of Rome had three branches of government.

The Romans Legal code written

on 12 tablets that was the basis of Roman law.

Examples: legal, economic, property, and social rights.

Basis of the U.S. Constitution

American government is based on two principles (ideas):1. Democracy – people rule – borrowed from

GreeceRepublicanism – people elect representatives

to speak for them in government – borrowed from Rome