Ancient History: Greece : Governmental Structures
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Ancient History: Greece
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Governmental Structures
Most Greek city-states were governed as __________.
an oligarchy
a limited republic
a theocracy
an autocracy
a representative republic
an oligarchy
Most Greek city-states were governed as an oligarchy. An oligarchy is a system of government in which a small group of wealthy elites control and administer society. Although we tend to associate the ancient Greeks with the invention of democracy, only a few societies were ruled by representative governments, and even those societies were only ruled by democracy for a short period of time. Throughout the majority of Greek history, in the vast majority of places, oligarchies prevailed.
Example Question #2 : Governmental Structures
Which of these best describes an archon in ancient Athenian society?
An agricultural slave
A citizen
An urban slave
The leader of the council of elders
The chief magistrate
The chief magistrate
In ancient Athenian society (and in some other Greek city-states) the archon was the chief magistrate. The powers, responsibilities, and authority of archons varied at different times and in different places. Rulers and reformers like Draco, Solon, and Cleisthenes were all archons.
Example Question #3 : Governmental Structures
Which of the following ancient Greek city-states is famous for inventing democracy?
Athens
Argos
Sparta
Corinth
Macedon
Athens
Athens is best known for practicing democracy in the Classic Period, so they would be the best choice. Sparta was ruled by two kings for most of its history, so it would not be a good answer. Macedon was the kingdom that produced Alexander the Great and they were not known for democracy, so that would not be a good choice. Lastly, both Argos and Corinth were Greek city-states, however neither of them were known for democracy, so they would not be good answers either.
Example Question #4 : Governmental Structures
Cylon is most notable for __________.
leading a failed coup against the Athenian government
establishing a set of legal codes in Athens
ruling as a tyrant in Samos during the sixth century
ruling as a tyrant in Corinth during the seventh century
leading the Spartan forces in the First Messenian War
leading a failed coup against the Athenian government
Cylon is most notable for leading a failed coup against the Athenian government in the seventh century BCE. This event is particularly notable because it is the first reliable recorded and dated event in Athenian history, and because it demonstrates the nature of Athenian power struggles during the Archaic Era.
Example Question #5 : Governmental Structures
Which of these best reflects who could vote in ancient Athenian society?
adult citizens
free, adult, male citizens
free, adult citizens
free, adult, native, male citizens
all citizens
free, adult, native, male citizens
In modern times, we remember ancient Athenian society as the birthplace of democracy, and in many ways, this is not an incorrect association. It is worth noting, however, that in Athenian society only free, adult, native, male citizens of the city could vote. This meant that the vast majority of the population remained completely excluded from the political process.
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