This document provides a lesson plan on early Greek history and philosophy. It introduces how early Greek civilization influenced modern political systems, democracy, and Western culture. The lesson focuses on the impact of early Greek philosophy and government on the U.S. Constitution. It includes key terms, reading assignments from two textbook chapters, self-check questions to test understanding, an application assignment referring to another unit, speedback questions, and final exam questions.

1. Unit 1: Lesson 3 Early Greece
Lesson Objective:10.1.3
10.1.3: Students relate the moral and ethical principles in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, in Judaism, and in
Christianity to the development of Western political thought. Consider the influence of the U.S. Constitution on political
systems in the contemporary world.
Lesson Introduction:
Much of what we know today of political systems, including many Democratic principles, western culture,
architecture, philosophy and even the cultural blending of many nations, can be traced back to the land of
ancient Greece. As you read through this chapter about the beginnings of Greek history, you will discover the
interactions between the Mycenaeans, Minoans and early Dorian civilizations and the classical heritage they
planted. Many of our current political systems, including democracy, aristocracy, and oligarchy, can be traced
to the early forms of government established by the Greek city-states.
In this lesson, the student should focus on the impact early Greek philosophy and government has on the
modern world, including the U.S. Constitution.
Key Terms: Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, checks and balances, federal system, Bill of
Rights, direct democracy, philosopher, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle
Reading Assignment:
●
●
Chapter 5, Section 3-4
Chapter 22, Section 4
Self-check Questions:
1. What was the Parthenon?
a. Temple
b. Court
c. Olympic Training Facilities
d. Philosopher’s Corn
2. Which of the following cultures were not represented in the cultural blend of Hellenistic culture?
A. Indian
B. Persian
C. Chinese

2. D. Egyptian
3. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
A. John Locke
B. Samuel Adams
C. Thomas Jefferson*
D. Benjamin Franklin
4. Which of the following was created by the Articles of Confederation?
A. the Congress
B. The Supreme Court
C. the office of the President
D. the office of the Vice-President
5. The idea of direct democracy is explained in
A. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
B. The Social Contract
C. On Crimes and Punishments
D. On the Spirits of Laws
Application Assignment:
See “Unit 2” for assignment.
Speedback Questions:
1. Which of the following groups fought in the Peloponnesian War?
A. Athens and Sparta
B. Greece and Persia
C. Athens and Thebes
D. Greece and Macedonia
2. The Bill of Rights was influenced by
A. John Adams
B. John Locke
C. Jean Jacques Rousseau
D. all of the above
3. In which form of government was rule based at least partially on wealth?
A. oligarchy and monarchy
B. democracy and aristocracy
C. aristocracy and oligarchy
D. monarchy and aristocracy
4. Which of the following did the Enlightenment promote?
A. a belief in progress
B. a more secular outlook
C. faith in science
D. all of the above
5. How did the Declaration of Independence embody Enlightenment ideas?
A. It stated that all titles of nobility should be abolished
B. It protected the rights of the accused and prohibited cruel punishment

3. C. It set up a system of checks and balances for the U.S. government
D. It said that people have rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Final Exam Questions:
1. In which form of government did heredity play no role in the selection of rulers?
A. monarchy and oligarchy
B. aristocracy and monarchy
C. oligarchy and aristocracy
D. democracy and oligarchy
2. In general, the philosophes believed in all of the following ideas EXCEPT
A. expanding women’s rights
B. the pursuit of happiness
C. progress of society
D. freedom of religion
© 2013 Cassidy Baker