SS3H1 The student will explain the political roots of our modern democracy in the United States of America. a. Identify the influence of Greek architecture (columns on the Parthenon, U. S. Supreme Court building), law, and the Olympic Games on the present. b. Explain the ancient Athenians’ idea that a community should choose its own leaders. c. Compare and contrast Athens as a direct democracy with the United States as a representative democracy. Greek Architecture- columns Athenian Direct Democracy *Every Athenian man would have one vote, and they would all meet and vote on what to do. The big meeting was called the Assembly. But all the men couldn't meet every day; they had to work. So there was also a smaller council of 500 men, who were chosen by a lottery, and changed every year. *“Citizens” of Athens were allowed to participate in government. Parthenon U.S. Supreme Court *Fairer manner of representation by ordinary people Athens, Greece Washington, DC *Elections were thought to be corrupted by the wealthy The modern day Olympic games have Greek roots. America’s Representative Democracy The first Olympics were held over 2,700 years ago. *We vote on a person who has the same beliefs and The Olympics of today have some similarities and ideals and are experts on what makes a good law to differences from the original games held in Greece. vote on laws for us. Modern Olympics *Because we choose someone to represent us, we are First Olympics Olympics Today a representative democracy. More than 2,700 years ago Athletes from countries all over the world Greek men from different City compete States could compete Men and women participate Prizes were crowns of leaves Prizes are gold, silver & bronze medals Always at Olympia, Greece Hosted in different countries every 4 years Both included: Games of running, jumping & wrestling Prizes awarded to winners .