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INTRODUCTION
The 20th Century and the early 21st Century have been a time of rebirth for many nations around the world. Dissatisfaction and conflict have led to the downfall of many governments throughout the world. When one government falls, another must be created to take its place. There are many different types of government systems throughout the world, but which one is the best? Can developing a new government be described as a one size fits all situation? Many of the current government systems in the world today have roots in the government systems of Ancient Greece.
TASK
You will be placed in groups of four. You and the members of your group are well respected leaders of a rebellion which led to the creation of a new nation. Your team has been given the responsibility to select a government system for the newly created country known as Room 228. To help you make your decision, you will have the opportunity to examine the governments of Ancient Greece which include Aristocracy, Monarchy, Oligarchy, Tyranny and Democracy. Each member of the team will examine one of these government systems. Once you have completed the examination, your task will be to create a graphic organizer which explains your assigned system of government. Then meet with your team members to share your information and discuss your findings. Decide which is the best government system for the country as a team. Your investigation will be completed by preparing a Socratic seminar, a 21st Century Technology presentation, or a visual display.
PROCESS
The 21st Century has been a period of upheaval and change for many nations both existing and emerging. You and your team members were successful leaders of a rebellion which has led to the creation of a new nation called Room 228. You have now been given the task to select a style of government for this new nation.
Essential Question:
What government style is the best choice for a newly developed country?
Step One
I will place you in groups of four. Individually write down the characteristics that you believe make a good government. Together with your team members create a definition for the word government. Each member of the team will be randomly assigned a government system to investigate from Ancient Greece: Aristocracy/Monarchy, Oligarchy, Tyranny and Democracy.
Step Two
Once you have been assigned a government system, you will research that system using the internet sources that I have listed below. These are the main points that you need to address:
1. Define the government system that you were assigned.
2. Provide examples of that government system.
3. List the pros and cons of that government system.
Each team member is responsible for creating a graphic organizer using the information that you have acquired for your government system. Use the criteria listed above as your guide. You have a choice of creating your own graphic organizer or you can request one from me.
Next, each team member will meet with other investigators who have been assigned the same government system. Use this time to exchange information and discuss the information on your graphic organizer. Discuss whether or not your assigned government system is the best fit for a new country.
Internet Sources
Aristocracy/Monarchy:
http://www.articleswave.com/history~articles/ancient-greek-aristocracy.html
http://www.-adm.pdx.edu/user/sinq/greekciv2/politics/subpol.htm
Oligarchy:
http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/staff/resources/background/bg10/home.html
Tyranny:
http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/staff/resources/background/bg10/home.html
http://www/livius.org/tt-tz/tyranicides.html
Democracy:
http://www.ancientgreece.co.uk/staff/resources/background/bg10/home.html
http://www.stoa.org/projects/demos/home?greekencoding=UnicodeC
http://www.codos.emory.edu/ODYSSEY/GREECE/home.html
Sites that cover each system:
http://www.livius.org/gi-gr/greeks/politicians.html
http://www.livius.org/greece.html
http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/greeks/government/
http://www.suite101.com/content/forms-of-government-in-ancient-greek-city-states-a84980
http://www.mitchellleaders.org/WorldHistory/AncientGreece/PDFS/FourFormsofGovtAncientGreece.pdf
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/govern1/tp/102309GreekGovernment.htm
http:www.wsu.edu/~dee/GREECE/ARCHAIC.HTM
Step Three
Report back to your original team. Share and discuss the information that each of you has acquired. Answer the essential question as a group; decide which government system is the best choice for the newly developed nation of Room 438.
Once you have made your decision, you may either develop a socratic seminar, create an art exhibit or create a presentation using 21st Century technology.
Socratic Seminar: Use the information that you have learned to develop six questions to ask during a Socratic seminar. This group will be actively participating in the Socratic discussion.
Art Exhibit: Use the information that you have learned to create art work that answers the essential question. It should represent your choice as to the best government system. This art work will be displayed in the classroom. Be prepared to discuss your work with the class.
21st Century Technology: Use technology to answer the essential question. Create a video, power point presentation or a Prezi or see me if you have another way to use technology to answer the question.
CONCLUSION
Choosing a style of government is not a task to be taken lightly. Civilizations have been struggling with this task for thousands of years. There is much to take into consideration when making this decision; there is no one right or wrong option. Ancient Greece has provided a government template for the evolving or changing nations who seek guidance when making that all importance choice as to what style is the best fit for them. Each system has both positive and negative attributes. We will re-examine this topic later in the year when we explore the American and French Revolutions. This topic is still relevant today as countries such as Egypt strive to define their government in a new way.