Reading Questions
Jennifer Roberts, "Athenian Democracy Denounced"

 

  1. According to Roberts, what were 18th century Americans' views toward ancient Athenian democracy, and how did their understandings differ from the reality of that democracy?
  2. Where and when did these misperceptions begin? Who contributed to these misperceptions, and why?
  3. What was James Madison's view on what made Athenian democracy dangerous, and what, in his view, would "protect Americans against [those] perils" (p. 166)?
  4. What was John Adams' view of Athenian Democracy? What, according to Roberts, was Adams' perception of the ideal relationship between power and property?
  5. Do you agree or disagree with Madison & Adams? Why?
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