The Athenian Assembly: Power to the People
Introduction Imagine that your school is voting on some new rules. However, the only people that get to vote are the three individual students with
History of Global Democracies
Slavery in Classical Athens: The Dark Side of Democracy
Introduction Slavery and democracy may seem to be conflicting systems. However, slavery has existed within democratic societies throughout history, including in ancient Athens, the Greek
Athenian Popular Courts: Democracy in Action
Have You Ever? Have you ever heard of jury duty, where citizens are selected to serve on juries for court cases to decide whether people
The Trial of Socrates: Free Speech on Trial
Background The trial of Socrates occurred in the wake of arguably the most disastrous and tumultuous period in the history of the Greek city-state of
The French Revolution: Liberté, Egalité, and Fraternité
Have You Ever? Your teacher assigns you to work on a group project with Joris and his friend Lena. Joris was chosen by your teacher
Twelve Tables: Equal Access to the Law
Problem Imagine you are a citizen living in a society that is governed by laws that are not written. Suppose your neighbor breaks a law,
The Roman Republic: Separation of Powers
Background The Roman Republic began in 509 B.C. after Rome’s last king, Tarquinius Superbus, was expelled from the city. This event resulted from a number
Greek Democracy: Humble Beginnings
Problem The year is 510 B.C. in Athens, a Greek city-state. There is conflict between the rich and the poor, and the tyrant Hippias has
Magna Carta: A Major First Step
Introduction “No free man shall be seized or imprisoned, or stripped of his rights or possessions, or outlawed or exiled, or deprived of his standing
