Download Excerpts from Classical Governments

Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: _____________
Excerpts from Classical Governments
Directions: Read the following excerpts and answer the questions in complete sentences
Document A:
"Pericles: Funeral Oration (ca. 430 BCE)." World History: Ancient
Student Analysis
(Text Dependent Questions)
and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2015. Web. 15 June 2015.
Our constitution does not copy the laws of
neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others
than imitators ourselves. Its administration favors the
many instead of the few; this is why it is called a
democracy. If we look to the laws, they afford equal
justice to all in their private differences; if no social
standing, advancement in public life falls to reputation
for capacity, class considerations not being allowed to
interfere with merit; nor again does poverty bar the
way, if a man is able to serve the state, he is not
hindered by the obscurity of his condition.
1. What message is Pericles trying to
share about Athens?
Document B:
Student Analysis
(Text Dependent Questions)
"Polybius: on the best of all political systems." World History:
Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2015. Web. 15 June 2015.
In this excerpt from his Histories, the Greek historian
Polybius (ca. 205–ca. 123 BCE) discusses the workings of
the Roman Republic.
2. Explain the meaning of the word
democracy.
1. Explain the meaning of the word
republic.
The three kinds of government I spoke of [monarchy,
aristocracy, democracy] above all shared in the
control of the Roman state. And such fairness and
propriety in all respects was shown in the use of
these three elements for drawing up the constitution
and in its subsequent administration that it was
impossible for even a native to pronounce with
certainty whether the whole system was aristocratic,
democratic, or monarchical. This was indeed only
natural. For if one fixed one's eyes on the power of
the consuls, the constitution seemed completely
monarchical and royal; if on that of the senate, it
seemed to be aristocratic; and when one looked at
the power of the masses, it seemed clearly to be a
democracy. The parts of the state falling under the
control of each element were, and with a few
modifications, still are as follows:
The consuls, previous to leading out their legions,
exercise authority in Rome over all public affairs,
since all the other magistrates except the tribunes are
under them and bound to obey them, and it is they
who introduce embassies to the senate.
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Name: ____________________________________________________________ Date: _____________
To pass to the senate: In the first place, it has control
of the treasury, all revenue and expenditure being
regulated by it. … Similarly, crimes committed in Italy
which require a public investigation, such as treason,
conspiracy, poisoning, and assassination, are under
the jurisdiction of the senate.
2. How does Polybius use evidence to
support the idea that Rome was a
republic?
It is the people who bestow office on the deserving,
the noblest reward of virtue in a state; the people
have the power of approving or rejecting laws, and
what is most important of all, they deliberate on the
question of war and peace. Further, in the case of
alliances, terms of peace, and treaties, it is the people
who ratify all these, or the reverse. Thus, here again,
one might plausibly say that the people's share in the
government is the greatest, and that the constitution
is a democratic one.
Document C:
"The Analects of Confucius: chapters 1–4 (ca. 490 BCE)." World
History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2015. Web. 15 June
2015.
(The Master = Confucius)
Chapter II
1. THE Master said: "In governing, cleave to good; as
the north star holds his place, and the multitude of
stars revolve upon him."
Student Analysis
(Text Dependent Questions)
1. Explain how Confucius and his
students interact in this text.
3. The Master said: "Guide the people by law, subdue
them by punishment; they may shun crime, but will be
void of shame. Guide them by example, subdue them
by courtesy; they will learn shame, and come to be
good."
19. Duke Ai asked: "What should be done to make
the people loyal?"
2. Explain the relationship between
the government or leader and the
people.
Confucius answered: "Exalt the straight, set aside the
crooked, the people will be loyal. Exalt the crooked,
set aside the straight, the people will be disloyal."
20. Chi K'ang asked how to make the people lowly,
faithful, and willing.
The Master said: "Behave with dignity, they will be
lowly: be pious and merciful, they will be faithful: exalt
the good, teach the unskilful, they will grow willing."
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