B. Which is best? Read each scenario and decide which type of government makes the most sense. Would a direct democracy like in Athens work best, or would a republic like in Rome make more sense?

It’s the end of the school year, and your class of 250 students must decide the best place for the yearbook signing party.

Everybody votes in a direct democracy! OR Select representatives for groups of students. WHY

Part II: Types of Government—Read Chapter 1 section 3 in the textbook and online readings to complete the following chart. Be sure to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of government!!

What is the definition of Absolute Monarchy?

What is the definition of Totalitarian/Dictatorship?

What is the definition of Oligarchy?

What is the definition of Parliamentary Democracy?

What is the definition of Presidential Democracy?

What is the definition of Direct Democracy?

What is an example of Absolute Monarchy?

What is an example of Totalitarian/Dictatorship?

What is an example of Oligarchy?

What is an example of Parliamentary Democracy?

What is an example of Presidential Democracy?

What is an example of Direct Democracy?

Influencing U.S. Democracy: Enlightenment Thinkers

Activity: Working with a partner, you will be tasked with gathering information about one of 4 Enlightenment Thinkers and the ideas they contributed to the development of American government. Then, taking on the persona of your assigned philosopher, you will draft a speech to be made to the class in which you convey that philosopher’s ideas and beliefs. Use this sheet to document your cooperative efforts.

Assigned Enlightenment Thinker:

Part I: Gathering Information—use your textbook and given handouts to answer the questions below.

Background Information:

Where was the philosopher born?

What was his upbringing?

What was his job?

Where did he study?

What book(s) did he write?

Philosophical Ideas:

What influences contributed to this thinker’s ideas?

Did this philosopher believe people could govern themselves?

Is humankind good or bad (according to him)?

Beliefs in Government:

What did this thinker believe is the best form of government?

Did this thinker contribute any new political ideas?

Part II: Compose a Speech—compose a 2 minute speech introducing your philosopher. Your speech should:

        ____        Include a brief biography

        ____        Cover the thinker’s philosophy on Government/basic beliefs

        ____        Be presented in a clear and concise fashion

OR

        Write a Letter - write a letter, taking on the persona of your philosopher, to Thomas Jefferson in which you:

        ____     Include a brief biography

        ____     Provide advice on how American government should be structured

Part III: Closure—Typing your response below, respond to the following essay prompt as a pair to reflect on the contributions of all 4 philosophers to the development of American government:

The U.S. Constitution was influenced by the ideas of Enlightenment Thinkers such as Locke, Rousseau, Hobbes, and Montesquieu. Select two philosophers. Describe and compare the ideas they contributed to the development of American democracy.