PRESIDENT, KING, DICTATOR OR CONSUL?
DEMOCRACY, MONARCHY, DICTATORSHIP OR REPUBLIC?
A Decision About Governments
Louise Waugh
Revised December 6, 2002
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INTRODUCTION:
Given the events of 9/11, you will be called upon to evaluate four different forms of government from ancient Greece and Rome and the possible advantages and disadvantages of each form of government on the United StatesŐ preparedness and ability to fight the forces of terroism within its own borders. This evaluation will be based on knowledge gained from our unit studies on ancient Greece and Rome, and additional research taken from suggested linked websites.
TASK:
You will be divided into 4 groups representing the different types of governments. In each group you will elect a President, King, Dictator, and 2 Consuls. It will become the groups' responsibility to research their type of government and assess the possible advantages and disadvantages it would provide in the fight against terrorism in the United States of America. You will be completing activities that will help you organize your information so that you can participate in a classroom debate.
THE PROCESS AND RESOURCES:
As a group you will receive instructions with each activity that follows. You will be responsible for compiling the appropriate information from your class notes and internet research in preparing the content that will become the basis for your leader's successful debate. Remember that TEAMWORK is the key to successfully winning the classroom debate and procurring the most votes for your government official. *( Worksheets will be provided for each activity.)
ACTIVITY 1:
Write as many facts about each of the four types of government as you can. Delegate the work equally among the members of your group. Be sure to use all the researched facts learned from class studies, linked websites and other resources.
ACTIVITIES 2 & 3:
Discuss the four types of government with your group. Delegate the writing of a paragraph about each. Remember the importance of every person being well-informed on every type of government. The success or failure of your group is directly dependent upon each person's expertise in all the various details of the different governments. REMEMBER, YOUR LEADER MAY CALL UPON ANY GROUP MEMBER DURING THE DEBATE FOR FACTS TO SUPPORT HIS POINT OF VIEW!
ACTIVITY 4:
Compare the types of government. How are they alike? How are they different? This activity is really important in making a solid case for your leader in his success in the debate with his or her competitors. KNOW YOUR ENEMY! ARM YOURSELF WITH ENOUGH FACTS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR STRENGTHS, WHILE MINIMIZING YOUR WEAKNESSES.
ACTIVITY 5:
Now discuss your groups' assigned form of government. What would it be like to be the leader of this government? Give at least five solidly supported reasons for your type of government. REMEMBER, FOR YOUR LEADER TO BE BELIEVABLE IN THE DEBATE, ALL MEMBERS OF THE GROUP MUST DEMONSTRATE THEIR UNWAVERING SUPPORT AND TRUST.
ACTIVITY 6:
Now that your group has gathered all the specific facts about your government, it is time to apply this information to the events of 9/11. Think about and discuss the events leading up to this tragedy and what might have been done to prevent it. How could your leader and government have prevented or changed the course of history? You may use the resources listed below to assist you in this task. Take notes in your group and help organize them into a position paper for your leader to use in his debate.
RESOURCES:
History for Kids Types of Government in Ancient Greece
CONCLUSION:
You will be graded on all of the Activity Pages and there will be a vote taken at the end of the debate. The government that wins the debate will be given 15 extra credit points.
Credits:
http:ettc.stockton.edu
http://www.scooter.edu.ac.ma/