Chapter 5.4 Flashcards
How were politics seen in the city-states of Greece and Rome?
Intense political interests were very important in daily life; citizens believed that they had certain political responsibilities, i.e. joining the military. In other words, the concept of active citizenship was distinctive in the Mediterranean cultures.
What was the main difference between Han China politics and Greco-Roman politics and governmental structure?
There was great diversity in political forms, much like Indian civilization; i.e. Greece city-states and Rome began as monarchies, later became aristocracies, tyrannies, democracies, etc.
Who traveled furthest in the direction of a democracy?
The Athenian city-state
Direct Democracy-
Where people participate directly in assemblies that make laws and select leaders, rather than electing representatives
Did women have any political rights in Athens?
No, they had no rights to participate in government at all
Who said, “The administration is in the hands of the many and not the few,” when talking about democracy in Athens?
Pericles, also said that anyone can run for public service, no matter their wealth.
What was the most popular form of government in the Mediterranean world? What city-state is best known for having this form of government?
Aristocracies, as they served as a check to executive power; Sparta was best known for having this type of government.
How did Athenian assemblies and Roman assemblies differ?
At Athenian assemblies, laws and leaders were chosen directly by the people; at Roman assemblies, representatives were chosen by the people to represent their common interests.
Cicero’s political writings best compare to what Chinese philosophy?
Confucianism
Was the Roman government centralized?
No, it often allowed for considerable local authority in many regions
What were the first Roman law codes, the Twelve Tables, designed to do?
To restrain upper class power from taking advantage of lower class people and to subject upper class people to some common legal principles.
What was the key political achievement of the Roman Empire?
The idea of fair and reasoned law
