Is it all relative
- 1. Is it all Relative? o.O Where do our democratic ideas come from – and do we see them in action today?
- 2. Intro to Democracy • Where does democracy come from? What does the word mean? • Does anyone know where we get our ideas from, like representative voting? • Think on it for a moment, share with a partner, and then I’ll ask the whole group. – *TPS Activitiy*
- 3. Democracy • Usually humans are ruled by a single leader, a monarch (king) • Democracy is in direct contrast to that – demos (people) and kratos (rule) = rule by the people. • Greece and Rome had the earliest forms of democracies known to man.
- 4. Grecian Ideals – Athens and Sparta • Let’s watch this video to introduce the topic that we’re going to focus on first! • *Note: For real presentation I’d have it embedded due to internet being flaky at most schools* • http://www.schooltube.com/video/f8836a3434a31a97579b/HOR RIBLE-HISTORIES-Wife-Swap-Spartans-and-Athenians
- 5. Greece – Where is it? o.o Where is Greece even?
- 6. Athens and Sparta • From this video we get two ideals, two different rivers flowing into the Grecian ideas. • We get the Athenian view and the Spartan View. • Athens trained people to be of the arts, had very traditional view of women (stay at home, sewed, no power in gov) • Spartans trained to be warriors, women viewed more (but not totally) equally.
- 7. Athens and Sparta • Both of these however were essential in helping develop the Grecian ideals of democracy. • They shared some things in common, like the city state model, language, and religion.
- 8. Grecian Ideals Background • C. 620 BCE: Draco “The Lawgiver”, Athenian, first known written law of ancient Greece. • Extremely harsh measures, tainted the word “draco” to mean harsh, severe, even today. • Solon in 594 BCE revised statutes, made it more humane – where we get our “cruel and unusual” saying.
- 9. More Grecian Ideals • Greeks did not rely on superstition or traditional religious explanations – instead used reason/intelligence to find “Natural Laws”. • Created system of direct democracy so (most) citizens could vote (men). • Citizens can do numerous things – vote, debate, make laws, serve on juries, hold office.
- 10. Grecian Contributions • Split gov. into 3 branches (Ekklesia, Boule, and Dikasteria – roughly Legislative, Executive, and Judicial) • The Greeks also contributed highly to math, literature, theatre, astronomy, science, medicine, architecture, and of course the Olympic Games…and Disney.
- 11. Rome – Where is it? :o • Where is Rome? O.O
- 12. Roman Ideals • Established Rule of Law and Equal Justice – written laws that were applied to ALL people under Roman rule. • Provided stability and unity of the land. • C.451 BCE created Twelve Tables – first publicly accessible collection of Roman Laws. • What does this mean to the people? Why is this important?
- 13. Roman Ideals • Imp b/c it protected people from corrupt and abusive officials, even Senators could be prosecuted! • Had a Republican system – where people voted for representatives to vote on issues for them. • What are the benefits of this system compared to the Direct Democracy of Greece?
- 14. Roman Contributions • They were the ones who gave us the words for Senate and Dictator. ^^ • IMPORTANT: Rome said you were a citizen of a country, not a subject of a ruler. Why is this distinction important?
- 15. Judaism – An Overview • Abrahamic Religion – belief in one, true God who decided Hebrew people were “chosen” to keep God’s Covenants. • Often destroyed, relocated, prospered, and destroyed again over time. • Large portions of the Hebrew Bible are detailing land exploits and trying to please God. • Believe God promised them a savior who will come.
- 16. Judaic Views of Humans • Humans were sacred because they were created by God (Genesis 1:27) and “children of God”. • They were created “in God’s image” with the ability to do great things. • Had written law codes (Ten Commandments) on how to treat God/others.
- 17. Christianity – Still an Overview • Came from Jewish roots – believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Savior, THE Christ. • Jesus went around preaching about how to treat others and view God (a loving, personal being) • Crucified for blasphemy and possible threat to Roman Empire. • Rose after three days and continued preaching for a period before ascending to Heaven. Leaving His established Church to continue His mission.
- 18. Christian View of Humans • Believe that people were equal before God (James 3:9) • That each individual was sacred (Romans 13:9) and had inherent worth/value. • And that each person had the capability to choose between right and wrong. • Had a responsibility to help others in need and the community. • Strong missionary push.
- 19. Intersection of Ideals over Time • These four peoples intersected as the Jews were kicked out of Israel in 70 CE. • And the Christians began spreading eventually taking over the Roman Empire by 400 CE. • By 528 CE, Emperor Justinian weeds out old laws – 1,600 BOOKS OF THEM to only 1,400 laws.
- 20. Greco/Roman – Judeo/Christian Influence on the US • Read the US Declaration of Independence with a partner – highlight the influences you see from our four roots and label which it is and why. *have handout of Declaration of Independence for all students*
- 21. How do you see these influences in modern society? Where do you see this influences in modern society? List them all out with a partner and get ready to share with the large group! ^^ *TPS Activity Large Group Sharing*
- 22. Intro to Project • Create a poster detailing how these influences (Greco/Roman/Judeo/ Christian) can be seen in modern day US Gov. • Detail all ways, even if they are apparent, but extra points for creativity and things other people don’t note. • 20 points – due in one week.