2. Republican Government

Question 1

What characteristics of the Roman Republic (509 BC -27 BC) influenced the founders?

Answer 1

1. Govern themselves without a king
2. Both aristocrats and common people shared the power to govern
3. They chose leaders to make and adminster laws

Question 2

What is an aristocrat?

Answer 2

Wealthy upper class members

Question 3

What are the characteristics of a Republican Government?

Answer 3

1. Citizens have the power to govern
2. Citizens give the power to leaders they elect to represent them
3. Citizens elect people who share their interests
4. Representatives responsible for promoting the general welfare

Question 4

What is civic virtue?

Answer 4

To live a modest life, putting the interests of the people above selfish, personal interests

Question 5

What are the benefits of civic virtue?

Answer 5

1. Laws made would be fair and serve ALL people (common welfare)
2. Greater freedoms to live secure, comfortable lives

Question 6

What is the Cincinnatus Model for Civic virtue?

Answer 6

1. 460 BC, Rome was inder attack by the Gauls
2. A retired general who was now a farmer, Cincinnatus, was called to serve as director for as long as the crisis lasted
3. Cincinnatus defeated the Gauls and saved Rome
4. He was fiven the choice to stay on a director for life
5. He refused, returned home and became a farmer

Question 7

What characteristics did “The Celebrated” Montesquieu Model require government have in order to serve the common welfar?

Answer 7

1. Separte Powers
2. Balance of Powers
3. Checks and Balances

Question 8

What is meant by separate powers?

Answer 8

1. Split the power of the government into multiple sections

2. Each section represents different interests in society

Question 9

What is meant by Balance of Powers?

Answer 9

All branches have equal power?

Question 10

What is meant by Checks and Balances?

Answer 10

Each branch can check another branch, and prevent it from acting if unfair or wrong