Greece to Us: Political Origins

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. The Greek conception of "polis" incorporated more than our modern concepts of city or even capital. The polis became a civic center, marketplace and ultimately the site of political discourse. Yet which of the following best describes the historical and etymological origin of "polis". A trading post on the river A fort on a hill The site of religious rites in a forest A marketplace at the crossroads

2. Spartan government included a council with a minimum age requirement of 60 years. Which of the following terms describes a society ruled by the aged? Squirarchy Gynarchy Gerontocracy Meritocracy

3. During a time of economic crisis, Solon became the archon of Athens and instituted a constitution with two striking features. Agricultural debt and servitude were canceled, and agricultural production became the standard for eligibility for public office and military service. What term is usually applied to the political system Solon's reforms created? Bureaucracy Theocracy Timocracy Autocracy

4. In the sixth century BCE, Solon departed Athens, and his devious associate Peisistratos made himself the absolute ruler of Athens. Which of the following terms could NOT be appropriately applied to Peisistratos? Anarchist Autarch Tyrant Dictator

5. Aristotle taught that some forms of government passed naturally into another baser form due to human moral failings. For instance, he said, "Kingship passes into tyranny, because Tyranny is the bad form of monarchy, so that a bad king becomes a tyrant." Into what inferior form of government does Aristotle indicate timocracy may degrade? Anarchy Democracy Oligarchy Dictatorship

6. "Demos" is the word from which our word democracy was derived. To which of the following might an ancient Greek be referring when using the word "demos"? A circus performer A prostitute A commoner All of these

7. Every Athenian citizen was a member of the "ekklesia" or general assembly of the Athenian democracy. Which of the following was NOT a requirement for citizenship in the Athenian democracy? Owning property Athenian parentage Being male Completion of military training

8. Sparta is generally viewed as a repressive, militaristic oligarchy despite having its own general assembly that included all male citizens above the age of 30 as members. Which of the following could account for the Spartan state being viewed as less open and democratic than the Athenian democracy? A militaristic approach was needed to maintain control of a large subject population Sparta had stricter requirements for citizenship All of these The Spartan Assembly's powers were limited to approval of decisions made by more powerful elements of the government

9. In ancient democratic Athens, was it more consequential to be called an "idiotes" or to be ostracized? Answer: (One Word)

10. Socrates was tried, convicted and sentenced to death for impiety and corrupting the youth of Athens. Under which form of government was Socrates condemned? Oligarchy Tyranny Democracy Monarchy