Unit One: Lecture 1.3Government and Laws in

Ancient Civilizations

Cite: Specific examples of how war and conflict are important throughout World History.

A.C.E.S QUESTION

What is the system that the Mesopotamians created to move water from the rivers to the farms? How did it work?

What is the “nickname” for Mesopotamia? What are the 2 rivers that run through

Mesopotamia? Who is the current “leader” of the government

in the US and what is his official title? Why do we need a government? (2 sentences)

KNIGHT’S CHARGE

There is a hotel room inside of Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World. Don’t get too excited though, you cannot book it. It is given out in contests and to the Make A Wish Foundation.

WEIRD DISNEY FACT OF THE DAY

What is Government?Government – A body of one or more

people that administer “policy” for the remainder of the people.

Examples of Policy: Laws Taxes Protection

GOVERNMENT

Anarchy = a state of disorder due to absence or non-recognition of authority.

Life without a government would be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.” ― Thomas Hobbes

As long as people have lived in groups, there has been a government.

Even small villages would elect an individual to lead.

Leaders have always been necessary not only to make important decisions, but to provide the feeling of safety and security.

WHERE DID GOVERNMENT COME FROM?

Early villages elected councils of elders.Elders were believed to be “wise” with

their experience and age.

WHERE DID GOVERNMENT COME FROM?

After the establishment of kingdoms, Warlords controlled armies, conquered new areas, and became leaders.

Warlord – An aggressive military commander who TAKES power by force!Example: Charles Taylor - Liberia

WARLORDS

Revolutionaries would take control of governments by starting uprisings of the poorer classes.Example: Nebuchadnezzar in Mesopotamia!

- Ruled from 605 B.C. to 562 B.C.

- Rallied the poor in Mesopotamia to take back

the Fertile Crescent area from the Assyrians.

REVOLUTIONARIES

Egyptians started ruling families called “Dynasties.”Dynasty – A ruling family.Pharaohs – Egyptian kings, leaders of dynasty.Pharaohs were considered GODS in Egypt! How do we know?Who becomes pharaoh when the pharaoh dies?

RULING FAMILIES

Menes – United the upper and lower Nile regions (like 2 pieces of bread in a sandwich…)

- Became the first PharaohHatshepsut – First female pharaoh

Pharaohs created a strong centralized governmentPreserved justice and order by establishing a bureaucracy.

NOTABLE EGYPTIAN PHARAOHS

China also used dynasties to rule their empires:

- Shang – Pre 2000 B.C.- Zhou – 1122 B.C. to 250 B.C.- Qin – 221 B.C. to 202 B.C.- Han – 202 B.C. to 220 A.D. (C.E.)- Qing – 1644 A.D. (C.E.) to 1911

C.E.

RULING FAMILIES-CHOOSING A LEADER

DYNASTIC CYCLE

DYNASTIC CYCLE

Republic – Rule by the people.

Democracy is a form of a Republic.- First originated in ancient Greece and Rome- Leaders are chosen by voting in forums

Direct Democracy – Every person gets a vote, first hand.- Practical? Why?

REPUBLIC

Last King was overthrown in 509 B.C.People choose some officials to represent them (representative government)Consists of 3 main groups:

- The Senate: 300 MEN. Originally only Patricians (landowners), made decisions over foreign policy and some domestic affairs.

- Magistrate: 2 consuls (highest office) control army. One year term. At the top.

- The Assembly: Made of common people called “Plebeians.” Voted on laws and elected officials.

THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

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Types of Governments:1. Monarchy: A form of government

with a monarch or king at the head.2. Aristocracy: A form of government

in which power is held by the nobility.3. Oligarchy: A small group of people

have control over a country.

What could be an advantage of having a monarchy?

GREECE

In the beginning: Monarchy -> AristocracyAristocracy-> Unrest ->

Tyrants!

Tyrant: Someone who gains power through force!

Finally – Limited Democracy, Cleisthenes sets up an assembly of 500. Any male citizen could be a member.It served as legislature.

GREECE

Absolute Monarchy – 1 person has limitless power and complete control.

Originated in Europe and Medieval England

ABSOLUTE MONARCHIES

Law – A rule that regulates the actions of a citizen!

HOW DO GOVERNMENTS KEEP CONTROL?

Hammurabi’s Code:- Originated in

Mesopotamia- The first written code

of law- Based on the idea of

“eye for an eye.”

FIRST LAWS OF THE WORLD

Legalism:Originated in China – Qin DynastySaid all men were inherently EVIL! MuahahahaStrict punishments for small crimesCaught shoplifting…?…We cut off your hands!

FIRST LAW SYSTEMS

Roman Law:

Posted in the forum for all to see!

Wait…I get to know the laws before I accidentally break them?

BRILLIANT!

TWELVE TABLES

Law under absolute rulers was constantly changing from ruler to ruler.

Why was this such a problem?

ABSOLUTE RULERS

Came around in the middle ages and are, for the most part, still used today!

Judges

Juries

Law Enforcement

JUDICIAL SYSTEMS

What is a Warlord?

What is a Dynasty?

Who was Menes?

What is a Tyrant?

What is Legalism?

CHECKING UNDERSTANDING