Understand the contributions of the ancient Greeks to the system of democracy; compare and contrast the political systems of direct and representative democracy; evaluate political choices that groups and nations have made in the past.

Ancient Athens is considered to be the birthplace of democracy. All Athenian citizens were permitted to vote directly on laws, and 500 citizens were chosen at random each year to serve on the Council of 500, the city’s primary legislative body. This system worked well, as it empowered citizens and encouraged them to take an interest in the political affairs of their community. However, when democracy was adopted elsewhere, such as in the Roman Republic, representative democracy replaced the direct model used in ancient Athens. Representative democracy calls for citizens to vote for elected officials, who then make laws on their behalf. Although it has evolved over time, the ancient Greek legacy of democracy lives on today in the United States and other nations around the globe.

• CA  10.1: 1 Chronological and Spatial Thinking: 1; Historical Interpretation: 3
• TX  113.33 (1): a; 113.33 (16): a; 113.33 (17): a; 113.33 (18): b; 113.38 (2): d
• FL  SS.A.2.4: 4
• NCSS  VI (HS): e, b; X (HS): h

2 class periods

• Activity Sheet, Direct Democracy in Ancient Athens
• Timeline, Chronology of Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks 
• Graphic Organizer, 2-Column Table
• Writing Rubric/Performance Rubric

Students have the opportunity to write an Analytical Essay (see Extension below).

How did direct democracy function, and what were its advantages and disadvantages

Point of View Working in partners, students will write and perform a script in which a reporter interviews a member of the Council of 500 about ancient Athenian democracy. To develop their scripts, students will research political life in ancient Greece, focusing on the role of direct democracy.

Have students research the topic using the provided links. Encourage them to use the suggested graphic organizer.

Illustration of a state prison in ancient Athens.

To start students thinking about the role of the government in ancient Athens, have them examine the illustration.

Key questions students should answer are:

• Why would citizens of a free, democratic society such as ancient Athens want the government to imprison those who break laws?
• Why might prisons be considered to be a hallmark of civilized, governed society?

Distribute the Student Activity sheet. Tell students to decide who will play the reporter, and who will play the role of a council member. Have students keep the following topics in mind as they conduct their research.

• Role of Government in Ancient Greece
• Citizenship, Direct Democracy, and the Council of 500
• The Birth of Democracy
• Political Life and Social Order in Ancient Greece
• Law and Order in Ancient Athens
• Impact of Greece on Modern Democracy

Remind students that their interview script should include ten questions and responses. The script should incorporate specific details about Athenian government and democracy.

Tell students that they will perform their historical interviews for the class.

Use the Writing Rubric and/or Performance Rubric to assess students’ performance.

Have students reflect on their performance and use the list of expectations to judge how well they met the criteria.

Ask students: Would direct democracy work in the United States? Why or why not?

Expository Writing Have students use Daily Life through History to conduct research and write an essay comparing the democracy of the United States with the political system of another country.

Critical Thinking: ANALYZE