Understanding Democracy: Athens and America

What does 'Demokratia' mean in Greek?

• Rule of Kings

• Rule of the People

• Rule of the Wealthy

• Rule of Law

Who was responsible for the first major reform in Athenian democracy?

• Cleisthenes

• Solon

• Pericles

• Socrates

What was a major reason for political equality in Athens?

• Military service

• Agricultural advancements

• Religious beliefs

• Economic prosperity

What was the primary role of the Assembly in Athenian democracy?

• To elect generals

• To make policy decisions

• To judge legal cases

• To oversee the military

Who was not allowed to participate in the Athenian Assembly?

• Craftsmen

• Soldiers

• Slaves

• Farmers

What was a unique feature of the Athenian legal system?

• Trial by combat

• Absence of written laws

• Massive juries chosen by lot

• Use of professional judges

Which group was excluded from Athenian democracy?

• Landowners

• Women

• Male citizens

• Merchants

What was a key difference between Athenian and American democracy?

• Absence of legal institutions

• Military influence on politics

• Direct versus representative democracy

• Use of a lottery system

What did the Founding Fathers of America think of pure democracies?

• They are stable and enduring

• They are prone to self-destruction

• They are the ideal form of government

• They are less effective than monarchies

How did American democracy address the issue of factions?

• By eliminating them

• Through direct public voting

• Through a system of checks and balances

• By allowing one faction to dominate