Ch08Sec02-Greece-GovernmentInAthens

Why were Athenians dissatisfied with aristocratic rule?

• Aristocrats were not educated enough to make decisions

• Aristocrats were too powerful and oppressive

• Aristocrats were not making decisions in the best interest of the citizens

• Aristocrats were not wealthy enough to lead

Answer explanation

The dissatisfaction of Athenians with aristocratic rule was primarily due to the overwhelming power and oppression of the aristocrats. Such power often led to decisions that were not in the best interest of the majority of the citizens. Therefore, the answer to the question underlines the oppressive power of the aristocrats as the main reason for the Athenians' discontent.

What were some key features of democracy under Cleisthenes in Athens?

• Tyrants were in control of the government

• All citizens could participate in government

• Only aristocrats could participate in government

• The government was a monarchy

Answer explanation

In the democracy under Cleisthenes in Athens, one of the key features was the participation of all citizens in the government. Unlike other options like tyranny, aristocracy, or monarchy where power is concentrated in few hands, the democratic system under Cleisthenes allowed for direct involvement of all citizens, making it a notable characteristic of the period.

What was the main reason for the downfall of Athenian democracy?

• The rise of tyrants

• The conquest by the Macedonians

• The lack of citizen participation

• The influence of other city-states

Answer explanation

The downfall of Athenian democracy was primarily due to the conquest by the Macedonians. Other options such as the rise of tyrants, the lack of citizen participation, or the influence of other city-states were not the main reasons. It was the Macedonian invasion that brought an end to the Athenian democracy.

How is the modern definition of 'tyrant' different from the ancient Greek definition?

• Modern definition: a leader who was appointed by the gods; Ancient Greek definition: a cruel and oppressive ruler

• Modern definition: a leader who seized power without legal authority; Ancient Greek definition: a leader who was elected by the people

• Modern definition: a leader who was elected by the people; Ancient Greek definition: a leader who was appointed by the gods

• Modern definition: a cruel and oppressive ruler; Ancient Greek definition: a leader who seized power without legal authority

Answer explanation

The correct definition aligns with the modern perception of a 'tyrant' as a cruel and oppressive ruler, while the ancient Greek definition refers to a leader who seized power without legal authority. This contrasts with other options indicating divine appointment or democratic election of tyrants, which are not accurate.

Who is considered the father of democracy in Athens?

• Cleisthenes

• Peisistratus

• Solon

• Draco

Answer explanation

Cleisthenes is known as the 'Father of Athenian Democracy'. He introduced reforms that significantly increased the power of the Athenian citizens, thus establishing a democratic system. He is the correct answer to the question 'Who is considered the father of democracy in Athens?'. Other options like Peisistratus, Solon, and Draco played roles in Athenian history, but it was Cleisthenes who truly established democracy.

What impact did Draco's laws have on Athenian society?

• They made minor crimes punishable by death

• They led to the overthrow of the aristocracy

• They gave more rights to nonaristocrats

• They created a new form of government

Answer explanation

Draco's laws, also known as Draconian laws, were known for their severity. In Athenian society, these laws were infamous for making even minor offenses punishable by death. This extreme punishment, even for small crimes, had a significant impact on Athenian society, creating a climate of fear and strict rule following.

Who were the dominant group in Athenian society during the rule of the aristocracy?

• Merchants

• Aristocrats

• Common people

• Artisans

Answer explanation

During the rule of the aristocracy in Athenian society, the dominant group was the 'Aristocrats'. The term 'aristocracy' itself stands for 'rule by the best'. It refers to a form of government where power is held by the nobility. Since aristocrats were the nobles and the wealthiest members of the society, they naturally held the dominant position.

What form of government did Cleisthenes establish in Athens?

• Democracy

• Oligarchy

• Aristocracy

• Tyranny

Answer explanation

In the late 6th century BCE, Cleisthenes established a form of government in Athens known as Democracy. This was a significant shift from the previous forms of government, which included Oligarchy, Aristocracy, and Tyranny. Democracy allowed the citizens of Athens to participate in political decision making, marking a significant advancement in political thought.

What was the main role of the assembly in Athenian democracy?

• To make laws

• To enforce laws

• To collect taxes

• To lead the army

Answer explanation

In Athenian democracy, the primary function of the assembly was to make laws. This body was responsible for creating, discussing, and voting on legislation that governed the city-state. The assembly's role was essential in ensuring that the democratic process functioned effectively, allowing citizens to have a direct say in the laws that affected their lives.

How did the Athenians encourage citizens to participate in the assembly?

• By threatening them with fines

• By giving them free food

• By offering them gifts

• By paying them

Answer explanation

The Athenians encouraged citizens to participate in the assembly by threatening them with fines. This method ensured active involvement of the citizens in the democratic process, as they would face financial penalties for not attending the assembly meetings.