Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

The development of democracy was first associated with which civilization?

1. Romans

2. Greeks

3. Egyptians

4. Chinese

The correct answer is: Greeks

The development of democracy is most closely associated with the ancient Greeks, specifically in the city-state of Athens around the 5th century BCE. This period marked a significant shift toward direct participation in governance by the citizens, who were not only allowed to vote on legislation but also to participate in decision-making processes. Key features of Athenian democracy included the assembly, where citizens could discuss and vote on issues, and the use of random selection for certain public roles, which highlighted the idea of equal participation. The Greeks introduced fundamental concepts that laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems, such as civic engagement, the importance of individual rights, and principles of justice and equality. This legacy has had a profound impact on subsequent political thought and practice throughout history. In contrast, while other civilizations like the Romans also had forms of governance that contributed to democratic ideas, the foundational concepts of democracy as we understand it today originated in Greek society.