Engage your students with an in-depth exploration of Athenian democracy, its origins, and its lasting influence on modern political systems. This reading comprehension worksheet focuses on the development of democracy in ancient Athens, with particular emphasis on the roles of key figures like Cleisthenes and Pericles, as well as the workings of democratic institutions such as the Assembly and the Council of 500.

Product Details:

• Comprehensive Reading Passage: Dive into the creation and functioning of Athenian democracy. Students will learn how Cleisthenes’ reforms laid the foundation for direct democracy and how citizens participated in the governing process.
• Clear Learning Objectives: Structured objectives guide students in understanding the key aspects of Athenian democracy, including its origins, how it worked, and the significance of major leaders.
• Key Terms Section: Bolded throughout the text and clearly defined, terms such as democracy, Cleisthenes, Council of 500, and Pnyx help students master the vocabulary of ancient political systems.
• Engaging Comprehension Questions: A range of question types, including multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short answer, assess students' understanding of both the structure of Athenian democracy and its limitations.
• Visual and Analytical Components: Incorporating diagrams and discussion prompts, this worksheet helps students visualize how ancient Athenian political institutions operated and their importance in the history of governance.

Topics Covered:

• The Birth of Democracy: Learn how ancient Athens transitioned from aristocratic rule to a system where citizens had a direct say in government decisions.
• Key Democratic Institutions: Explore the function of the Assembly, the Council of 500, and the mechanisms that allowed citizen participation.
• Influential Leaders: Understand the roles of Cleisthenes and Pericles in shaping and expanding Athenian democracy, including Pericles’ efforts to encourage participation among all male citizens, regardless of wealth.
• Limitations of Athenian Democracy: Analyze who was excluded from participation and reflect on how democratic Athens compares to modern democratic systems.

Ideal For:

• Classroom instruction and independent study
• Homework assignments and exam preparation
• Enhancing a homeschooling curriculum