Ancient Greece - Day 2

AIM: What were the different forms of governments that existed in Ancient Greece?

Do Now: Daily Life in Athens & Sparta

Forms of Government in Ancient Greece

CITY STATES: Athens and Sparta were the two most important city-states in ancient Greece, or so they believed. But they were not the only city-states. There were many city-states in the ancient Greek world. Each was important in its own way. The Greeks who lived in each city-state were proud of their hometown. They were also proud to be Greek. All Greeks, wherever they made their home, had things in common.

TO BE GREEK: The ancient Greeks spoke the same language. They believed in the same gods. They shared a common heritage. They perceived themselves as Greeks.

TO BE A CITIZEN OF A CITY-STATE: The ancient Greeks referred to themselves, however, as citizens of their hometown - their city-state. Each city-state (polis) had its own personality, goals, laws and customs. Ancient Greeks were very loyal to their city-state.

There were three main forms of government in ancient Greece:

• Monarchy: A monarchy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of a single person. Most monarchies have been ruled by kings, usually with the help of a council of advisors.
• Oligarchy: An oligarchy is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of a few leaders.
• Democracy: A democracy is a form of governnlent in which the ruling power is in the hands of all the people.
• Tyrany: A tyranny is a form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control, often by illegal means.

Classwork & Homework

Classwork: Forms of Greek Government Worksheet

Homework: Assignments