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Paper Topic:

Ancient Greece and Rome brought what unique characteristics to the political organization? what other attributes came out of this time period that still remain today?

Ancient Rome and Greece : Political Characteristics that exist in modern times

Introduction

The ancient societies of Rome and Greece are arguably the most influential civilizations to impact the Western World today , so much so that even some of their political principles and characteristics shaped forms of government in present times . Hence , this is divided into two sections . The first section discusses unique political characteristics of Ancient Greece that have been passed on to other civilizations and practiced even after its collapse . The second section identifies ancient Roman forms of government

that are carried on until today

Ancient Greece

The most noteworthy of political developments in ancient Greece was creation of the Athenian Assembly , created in Athens during Greece 's Golden Age (480-404 BCE . This group of men would meet frequently to discuss and vote on current problems within their city-state . The men in the group had no representatives , and so anyone could propose a to vote on . Everyone would decide on the decision , majority 's rule . In to conduct business within the organization , 6 ,000 citizens were required to be present in for the vote to be legal

The advantages of this type of government for the Athenian people was that any person could offer a of discussion and that everyone was able to make their own decisions during the voting process . It assisted the development of democracy . Having the people rule their government made the citizens happier because they were able to make their own decisions rather than having one authoritative group or figure choosing it for them

Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome was greatly influenced by the concept of the Athenian assembly . The basis of republican government , at least in theory , was the division of responsibilities between various assemblies . Moreover the Roman Republic had one of the earliest known constitutions . The idea for a constitution was likely copied from those of the early Greek city-states . Before the 17th and 18th centuries , the Roman Republic was one of the very few nations to have had a constitution . The constitution of the Roman Republic wasn 't formal or even official . Its constitution was largely unwritten , and was constantly evolving throughout the life of the republic

The government of the Roman Republic had three constitutional branches The three branches of the Roman government were the senate , the legislative , and the executive . A dictator would be appointed during times of military emergency . The senate made foreign policy , directed wars , and was usually controlled by the aristocracy . The legislative branch made domestic policy and appointed executive magistrates for both the Senate and the legislative branch . Like the senate , the legislative branch was also controlled by the upper classes . However , this control wasn 't as solid as was aristocratic control of the senate . Executive officials (called magistrates ) were officers of either the senate or the legislative branch

Conclusion

Ancient Greece found the principle that equality is the foundation of democracy . On the other hand , many nations today have modeled their...

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