Download Grade 6 Unit: Ancient Greece Standard 3: Societies are shaped by

Grade 6
Unit: Ancient Greece
Standard 3: Societies are shaped by beliefs, ideas, and diversity.
Big Idea: Democracy
The Ancient Greeks developed a form of government known as
"demokratia". This word translates to "rule by the people." For
example, democratic principles appear in the Athenian
Constitution. The development of this document was led by
Cleisthenes. This Athenian nobleman rejected the tyrannical
practices of earlier rulers.
While this Athenian Democracy did not last forever, the ideas
and principles of Cleisthenes' reforms impacted the modern
world. The original Athenian Constitution is lost. However,
Aristotle wrote a history of the document's development and
ideas. Aristotle also wrote Politics, a review of forms of
government. These two documents, a selection from The
Athenian Constitution, and Aristotle's Politics, book 6, chapter 2,
provide a context for early democracy.
Social Studies – Grade 6
01/12/2015
Benchmark 1
Which idea or belief about democracy most shaped Greek
civilization? What evidence and arguments support your claim?
Benchmark 2
How did previous Athenian leaders create the unhappiness that
led to the development of democracy in Athens? What evidence
and arguments support your claim?
Benchmark 3
What parts of Athenian democracy seem to disagree with current
ideas about democracy in the United States? What evidence and
arguments support your response?
Social Studies – Grade 6
01/12/2015