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Foundations of Democracy. What is Democracy?. Rule by the people Demos = many Examples are the USA & Canada A democracy is different from a monarchy or autocracy (rule by one like a king or queen ). Ancient Greece The First to Develop a Democracy.
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What is Democracy? • Rule by the people • Demos = many • Examples are the USA & Canada • A democracy is different from a monarchy or autocracy (rule by one like a king or queen)
Ancient GreeceThe First to Develop a Democracy • The Greeks first created Democracy • Greek democratic ideas are still used today: ▪ Voting rights ▪ Juries ▪ Fair set of laws ▪ Ending of slavery
The Greek Philosophers • Philosopher = “lovers of wisdom” • Inspired the spread of democracy • Great thinkers like Aristotle, Socrates and Plato emerged at this time. • They were focused on understanding the universe, human society and morality (right from wrong).
Ancient Rome • As the Greek civilization was declining, the Romans were becoming more powerful. • The Romans created a type of democracy known as a Republic • Republic= representative democracy like the US; we vote for people who do the government work for us!
More Roman Contributions to Democracy… • Justice for all people and property • All citizens were equal under the law • Innocent until proven guilty • Written laws • Can you name one country that follows these traditions today? • Answer: USA!
How did Religion Influence the Development of Democracy? • 2 major world religions influenced democracy: Christianity & Judaism • Humans were created in God’s image. • Humans have freedom of choice • Written law: The 10 commandments • Fight injustice • All people are created equal (a central belief to democracy)
Renaissance • A cultural movement that began in the 14th century • Ren. artists included da Vinci and Michelangelo • Renaissance means “rebirth” – artists and writers were “rebirthing” ideas from ancientGreece and Rome • The Renaissance focused on the importance of the individual • This idea would influence future democracy-based revolutions like the American Rev. and French Rev.
Reformation • The Catholic Church was full of corruption and needed reform • Example: Priests were doing things they shouldn’t, like having kids • Martin Luther, a German monk, was fed up with the church and wrote down his complaints in 1517 • Called the 95 Theses • Foundation for the Protestant Church because Luther “protested” against the Catholic Church • Protestantism added to the growth of democracy by challenging the authority of the Pope and stressing the importance of the individual.