Western Political Thought & Revolution
Questions and Answers
(blank) is considered the founder of democracy in Athens partly because he allowed all
citizens to propose laws. - ANS-Pericles
"... for the administration of justice...is the principle of order in political society." -
Aristotle
What is the meaning of this quote? - ANS-Laws maintain the stability of the nation.
According to Plato, what was the ideal form of government? - ANS-A government by
wisest "philosopher kings"
"He who trusts any man with supreme power gives it to a wild beast, for such his
appetite sometimes makes him: passion influences those in power, even the best of
men, but law is reason without desire..." - Aristotle
"Which feature of modern Western democratic government reflects Aristotle's views as
given above? - ANS-Even the government should adhere to the law to prevent abuse of
power
What contribution did the Greeks make to the development of democracy? - ANS-1.
Used reason and logic to discover natural laws
2. Developed direct democracy
3. Individuals are important
4. Three branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial)
Which of the concepts from classical Athens are central to Western political thought
today? - ANS-Individual achievement, dignity, and worth are of great importance.
Describe ancient Greece's system of government. - ANS-Direct democracy
Describe ancient Rome's system of government. - ANS-A republic The first
, Roman collection of written laws was - ANS-Twelve Tables
What contributions did the ancient Romans make to the development of democracy? -
ANS-Idea of a Republic
Written legal codes
Individual is a citizen, not subject of a ruler
Laws apply equally to all citizens
Describe the ways in which Judeo-Christian tradition differ from Greco-Roman tradition.
- ANS-Judeo-Christian: Private morality, the virtues of interfaith and obedience to God's
laws.
Greek and Romans: Public morality important for acting in the community.
In which document is the principle of limitation of governmental power first stated? -
ANS-Magna Carta
What is the right of habeas corpus? - ANS-Order to bring prisoner before a judge to
determine whether they should be put on trial or freed.
What is a constitutional monarchy? - ANS-System where laws limit the rulers power
What rights are included in the English Civil War? - ANS-Bill of Rights:
1. No suspending Parliament's laws
2. No taxes without Parliament's consent
3. Free speech in Parliament
4. Right o petition king for redress of grievances
What was the result of the English Civil War? - ANS-1. Trial and execution of Charles I
2. Exile of his son, Charles II
3. Replace English monarch with a Republic
When a country's constitution requires the branches of government to remain
independent of each other, it is adhering to the constitutional principle of -
ANS-Separation of Powers
The English philosopher John Locke argued that life, liberty, and property are -
ANS-Natural rights
Questions and Answers
(blank) is considered the founder of democracy in Athens partly because he allowed all
citizens to propose laws. - ANS-Pericles
"... for the administration of justice...is the principle of order in political society." -
Aristotle
What is the meaning of this quote? - ANS-Laws maintain the stability of the nation.
According to Plato, what was the ideal form of government? - ANS-A government by
wisest "philosopher kings"
"He who trusts any man with supreme power gives it to a wild beast, for such his
appetite sometimes makes him: passion influences those in power, even the best of
men, but law is reason without desire..." - Aristotle
"Which feature of modern Western democratic government reflects Aristotle's views as
given above? - ANS-Even the government should adhere to the law to prevent abuse of
power
What contribution did the Greeks make to the development of democracy? - ANS-1.
Used reason and logic to discover natural laws
2. Developed direct democracy
3. Individuals are important
4. Three branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial)
Which of the concepts from classical Athens are central to Western political thought
today? - ANS-Individual achievement, dignity, and worth are of great importance.
Describe ancient Greece's system of government. - ANS-Direct democracy
Describe ancient Rome's system of government. - ANS-A republic The first
, Roman collection of written laws was - ANS-Twelve Tables
What contributions did the ancient Romans make to the development of democracy? -
ANS-Idea of a Republic
Written legal codes
Individual is a citizen, not subject of a ruler
Laws apply equally to all citizens
Describe the ways in which Judeo-Christian tradition differ from Greco-Roman tradition.
- ANS-Judeo-Christian: Private morality, the virtues of interfaith and obedience to God's
laws.
Greek and Romans: Public morality important for acting in the community.
In which document is the principle of limitation of governmental power first stated? -
ANS-Magna Carta
What is the right of habeas corpus? - ANS-Order to bring prisoner before a judge to
determine whether they should be put on trial or freed.
What is a constitutional monarchy? - ANS-System where laws limit the rulers power
What rights are included in the English Civil War? - ANS-Bill of Rights:
1. No suspending Parliament's laws
2. No taxes without Parliament's consent
3. Free speech in Parliament
4. Right o petition king for redress of grievances
What was the result of the English Civil War? - ANS-1. Trial and execution of Charles I
2. Exile of his son, Charles II
3. Replace English monarch with a Republic
When a country's constitution requires the branches of government to remain
independent of each other, it is adhering to the constitutional principle of -
ANS-Separation of Powers
The English philosopher John Locke argued that life, liberty, and property are -
ANS-Natural rights
