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Rise of Democratic Ideas Trivia Quiz

Democracy developed over thousands of years. We can thank the Greeks, Romans, Christians, Jews, British and French just to name a few for democratic forms of government. Here are some questions about that development.

A multiple-choice quiz by cnaron. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
cnaron

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
196,560

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
7 / 10

Plays
1075

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Which of the following was the contribution of the three monotheistic religions to the rise of democratic ideas, and not to theology? Hint

respect for tradition

belief in one god

belief in the worth of the individual

belief in many gods

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Question 2 of 10

2. Who was considered the "father" of Athenian democracy? Hint

Pericles

Cleisthenes

Socrates

Solon

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Question 3 of 10

3. Before it was an empire and after it was a monarchy, what type of government did Rome have? Hint

direct democracy

oligarchy

dictatorship

republic

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Question 4 of 10

4. Signed by King John at Runnymede on June 15, 1215, the Magna Carta guaranteed all of the following except: Hint

underaged heirs would not have to pay interest on debts owed to Jews

no taxation without consent of the nobility

voting rights for all

widows would not have to remarry

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Question 5 of 10

5. The rights to life, liberty and property are most commonly associated with which political philosopher? Hint

Thomas Hobbes

John Locke

Baron de Montesquieu

Thomas Jefferson

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Question 6 of 10

6. What was the first US constitution called? Hint

The Preamble

The Articles of Confederation

The Constitution of the United States

The Declaration of Independence

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Question 7 of 10

7. During what movement did Europeans begin to apply reason and science to all areas of life? Hint

The Reformation

The Enlightenment

The Renaissance

The Scientific Revolution

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Question 8 of 10

8. Prior to the English Civil War, what two issues were the most common source of contention between Charles I and Parliament? Hint

Taxes and Religion

Religion and Warfare

Taxes and Warfare

Sanitation and Education

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Question 9 of 10

9. The separation of powers into three branches is most commonly associated with which political philosopher? Hint

Baron de Montesquieu

Thomas Hobbes

John Locke

Adam Smith

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Question 10 of 10

10. Instead of a "republic of virtue," this guy presided over The Reign of Terror. Hint

Olympe de Gouges

Maximilien Robespierre

Jean Paul Marat

Marie Antoinette

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which of the following was the contribution of the three monotheistic religions to the rise of democratic ideas, and not to theology?

Answer: belief in the worth of the individual

Jews, Christians and Muslims will disagree on the nature of God, but all three believe there is only one. All believe that because man was created in God's image, each person has fundamental value and dignity.

2. Who was considered the "father" of Athenian democracy?

Answer: Cleisthenes

Cleisthenes allowed all citizens of Athens to take part in the decision making process. This is called "Direct Democracy." It is similar to some of the initiative and recall processes states like California have today.

3. Before it was an empire and after it was a monarchy, what type of government did Rome have?

Answer: republic

A common pattern we see in history is a large middle class demanding ever greater political and economic rights. In Rome, the plebeians slowly gained more power from the patricians.

4. Signed by King John at Runnymede on June 15, 1215, the Magna Carta guaranteed all of the following except:

Answer: voting rights for all

The Magna Carta was no democratic document compared to the US Constitution, but it's hard to imagine the latter being written absent the former.

5. The rights to life, liberty and property are most commonly associated with which political philosopher?

Answer: John Locke

Jefferson will change the last part to "pursuit of happiness" for those of us who rent.

6. What was the first US constitution called?

Answer: The Articles of Confederation

The Articles of Confederation created a very weak central government, leading to chaotic events like Shay's Rebellion.

7. During what movement did Europeans begin to apply reason and science to all areas of life?

Answer: The Enlightenment

Rousseau, the Enlightenment's oddball, believed that human beings were perfectly capable of living in harmony with each other...until they actually got together that is.

8. Prior to the English Civil War, what two issues were the most common source of contention between Charles I and Parliament?

Answer: Taxes and Religion

If you pick up at any point in early 17th century British History (pre Civil War), you will find the King and Parliament fighting over money and religion. The king will need cash, ask Parliament for it, they demand more rights in return, the king agrees and then backs out of the deal after getting his money.

9. The separation of powers into three branches is most commonly associated with which political philosopher?

Answer: Baron de Montesquieu

Legislative, Executive and Judicial.

10. Instead of a "republic of virtue," this guy presided over The Reign of Terror.

Answer: Maximilien Robespierre

As leader of the Committee of Public Safety, Robespierre was responsible for identifying the enemies of the Revolution and sending them to the guillotine...sometimes all in the same day!

Source: Author cnaron

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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