Learning About the Roots of Democracy

1. Learning About the Roots of Democracy

2. Complete chart as we move through the activity

3. Monarchy • A monarchy is a form of government in which one person (king, queen or emperor) has the power to make all political decisions. • The word monarchy comes from the Greek term “monos” meaning single and “arkhein” meaning rule. • One of the first forms of government • A monarchy is hereditary

4. Oligarchy • An oligarachy is a form of government in which a few individuals have all the power to make all the political decisions • Oligarchy comes from the Greek word “oligos” meaning few and “arkhein” meaning rule • Oligarchy developed as an alternative to monarchy

5. Tyranny/Dictatorship • Government in which one individual has seized power by force and rules single-handedly. • Tyranny comes from the Greek word “tyrannos” which means usurper with supreme power. • Over time a tyrant became known as a person who held on to power through cruel and abusive means • Rarely have they established dynasties. Their power usually dies with them.

6. Democracy • Form of government where political decisions are made by all people • The word democracy comes from the Greek work “demos” meaning people and “kratos” meaning power.