Athenian democracy and modern Britain
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare ancient Athenian democracy with modern British democracy.
Key learning points
- The first direct democracy started in Athens; there were three main institutions of this democratic system.
- The institutions were: the Ekklesia, the Boule and the Dikasteria - these were the Assembly, the Council and the Courts.
- Only male Athenian citizens could vote, so many people living in Athens were not involved in this democracy.
- Ancient Athenian democracy has left a lasting legacy in the form of modern British democracy.
- There are similarities and differences between Ancient Athenian democracy and modern British democracy.
Keywords
Direct democracy - direct democracy is a form of government where the people have a direct say over how a country is run
Institutions - an organisation set up for a specific purpose, usually serving the public, is called an institution
Courts - courts are places where law cases and arguments are heard and judged on
Elect - to choose someone by voting for them to represent you in government is to elect them
Legacy - a legacy is the long-lasting impact of historical events, actions, a person or group of people
Common misconception
Elections are the most fair and just way to make decisions.
Elections, when they are run honestly, are a fair and just way to make decisions. However, sometimes people can interfere with results of elections or try to sway people to vote in a certain way which means the outcome can be predictable.
Teacher tip
Do pupils know what constituency they live in, or who their local MP is? Investigate politics in your local area to help pupils to understand how political voices, that may seem distanced in the media, are actually very important in communities. Pupil could even write to their MP about an issue.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How long did the Ancient Greek civilisation approximately last for?
Q2.Which of the below civilisations did Ancient Greece develop after?
Q3.What were the smaller states that developed in Ancient Greece called?
Q4.Complete the sentence. was the largest city-state in Ancient Greece.
Q5.What was one of the reasons that made Athens one of the most important city-states?
Q6.In Ancient Greece, which group of people held the most public power and influence?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms with their correct meanings.
a form of government where people have a say over how a country is run
an organisation set up for a specific purpose
places where law cases and arguments are heard
choosing someone by voting for them
Q2.Where did the 'Assembly' happen once a month?
Q3.What was the 'boule'?
Q4.What was the 'dikasteria' responsible for?
Q5.Which of the below statements are true about modern British society?
Q6.Complete the sentence. The in London is where the 650 MPs gather to have debates.
To help you plan your 4 history lesson on: Athenian democracy and modern Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 history lesson on: Athenian democracy and modern Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 history lessons from the Ancient Greek civilisation: what is its most significant legacy? unit, dive into the full primary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.