The Influence of Athenian Democracy on the US Answers

Read this excerpt from The History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighbouring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves. Its administration favours the many instead of the few; this is why it is called a democracy. If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences; if no social standing, advancement in public life falls to reputation for capacity, class considerations not being allowed to interfere with merit; nor again does poverty bar the way, if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition. –The History of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides

Read the excerpt from Plato’s Republic.Women are the same in kind as men, and have the same aptitude or want of aptitude for medicine or gymnastic or war. . . . If however their natures are the same, the inference is that their education must also be the same; there is no longer anything unnatural or impossible in a woman learning music and gymnastic. And the education which we give them will be the very best . . . will train up the very best women, and nothing can be more advantageous to the State than this.–The Republic, Plato

This photograph shows a famous site in ancient Greek architecture.

What is the main reason why the Acropolis is important to Greek architecture?

Which achievement is credited to Aristotle?

What is an example of the new way of thinking that Aristotle used in his work and teaching?

What is one way that Greek architecture changed over time?

How did Aristotle influence education in ancient Greece?

Read the passage from Plato’s Republic.Who are to be our rulers? First, the elder must rule the younger; and the best of the elders will be the best guardians. Now they will be the best who love their subjects most, and think that they have a common interest with them in the welfare of the state. These we must select; but they must be watched . . . to see whether they have retained the same opinions and held out against force and enchantment. For time and persuasion and the love of pleasure may enchant a man into a change of purpose, and the force of grief and pain may compel him. And therefore our guardians must be men who have been tried by many tests . . . and have been passed first through danger, then through pleasure, and at every age have come out of such trials victorious . . . in full command of themselves and their principles; having all their faculties in harmonious exercise for their country's good.–The Republic, Plato