Designed by Mr. Cutler
September 2001
Introduction | Task | Process and Evaluation | Resources | Conclusion | Credits
Introduction | Task | Process and Evaluation | Resources | Conclusion | Credits
Introduction
The history of the Roman Empire is one of extreme controversy. Some
historians point to its accomplishments in the areas of government, with
the Roman Senate serving as an example of a what a representative democracy
should be, as well as the Senate being a role model for American representative
democracy.
In
theory, democracy is a system in which the people are the priority. John
Locke wrote in "Two Treatises On Government" that the best relationship
between people and government is what he termed "Consent of the Governed".
By that, Locke meant that rulers rule with the permission of the ruled.
Their function is to honor what he termed the "Social Contract,"in which
the ruler must rule with the best interests of the people as the most important
responsibility. If they don't, according to Locke, the people have the
right and responsibility of rebellion.
In the United States, people refer to the First Amendment of the United States Constitution as "heart" of American Democracy, beause our most important civil liberties, the liberties essential to ANY democracy are contained there. Of, course,we are speaking of freedom of the press. religion, and speech, as well as the right to petition ther government for grievances and freedom of assembly. In evaluating Roman democracy, it's critical to take a look at what democracy is in its purest form , and to see if the Romans lived up to that ideal.
Your job is to determine an accurate appraisal of the Roman Empire in a historical context, based upon research and analysis.
Read the plot outline of Julius
Caesar by William Shakespeare, as well as the descriptions of the Roman 
Government
in the resources below. Pay particular attention
to the fact that Julius Caeser was elected dictator for life.
Write a three paged paper comparing and contrasting the process of being elected "Dictator for Life" with our process of electing leaders and officials, particularly for president. Be sure to include the following points:
The Twelve Tables - http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/12tables.html
Internet Ancient History Sourcebook - http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/asbook09.html
Julius Caesar in Encarta Encyclopedia - http://encarta.msn.com/find/Concise.asp?z=1&pg=2&ti=761578066
Information on Julius Caesar- http://www.mrdowling.com/702-caesar.html
Summary of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar - http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/juliuscaesar/context.html
Electing a US President - http://www2.lhric.org/pocantico/election/election.htm
Citizens for Term Limits- http://www.termlimits.com/position.htm
Was the assasination of Julius Caesar by Brutus and Cassius an act of preservation of democracy or an act of murder designed to grab the leadership of Rome for themselves? By completing this webquest, you should have an answer to this question.
Remember to list your sources in a bibliography. Use the material listed above, and show HOW you used it.
