Time Warp I: Democracy

Time Warp

Democracy Democracy means the rule by the people. That is where each individual person has a vote about what to do. Whatever the most people vote for becomes the law. There is no king and anyone can propose a new law. Despite popular belief, this is not quite the government system of the United States today. Let’s investigate why that might be.

Begin Simulation

there have been very few true democracies in history and none have lasted very long. Why? Greece was a collection of loosely connected city-states. One of those states, athens, became the world’s first direct democracy.

399 B.C.

Greece

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This is athens. On the hill overlooking the main town square is the parthenon - an incredible building honoring the greek god athena (duh). Athens has recently suffered a military defeat at the hands of the Spartans and may be ready for change.

Choose a disguise

You have some sense of democracy but not enough to fit in here. You need a disguise!

Child

woman

man

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Play as a Woman

Greek women typically got married as teens and then typically had to stay at home. They didn’t have much of a social life. They weren’t even supposed to be around if their husband’s friends were in the house. Being virtually unseen might be a good way to observer the society…

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Unfortunately, despite being a democracy, women could not really participate at all. They could not vote or attend political meetings. You can’t learn much about a government that you can’t participate in.

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Play as a kid

Life wasn’t easy for kids in ancient Greece. Survival wasn’t promised. In fact, they often waited up 10 days to name their babies, because of the risk. Boys could go to school but girls were educated at home (and often married by age 13.) Maybe that education would teach you what you need to know. About democracy…

Get Married (seriously)

As a result of nature’s coin flip - you’re a girl! You’ve just turned 12 and that means you nearly done with childhood. It’s time to take your childhood toys and offer them to the goddess Artemis to ensure you’ll be a good mother. It’s been a good run as a kid, but it’s time to grow up! You’re not gettin’ any younger missy!

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Unfortunately, that ends your chance at an education. You won’t be learning about (or participating in) the democratic government. Sorry kid, you’re a wife now. Congrats on your wedding though! You are desynched.

Men in athens held all of the political and military power. A war has just ended, but tensions are still high. If it flares up again you will certainly be forced to fight.

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Play as a man

Listen in

As you reach the steps of the city you see a man who looks like a soldier. He is explaining why the Athenians recently lost a war to the spartans.

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“Do not fault those who fought to defend you! The fault lies with those who do not honor the Athenian gods! It is you people who have not followed traditions who have led the gods to ignore us. That is why we were defeated! We must return to our gods and rid ourselves of those who follow others.”

Leave the Temple

Hearing his speech leaves you wanting to learn more about the Athenians’ religion. You head up the hill to check out the parthenon. It is a massive building with a beautiful statue of Athena in the middle. Clearly they value their gods if they are willing to dedicate such a building to them.

Carefully walk down the hill

Jump off the hill

The view of the city from the top of the hill is stunning. This government must be doing something right. You can see a large crowd gathering in the town below you. YOu should check it out.

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Really?

Get closer

You head down the hill and into town where you happen upon a large group of people - well, men - facing toward a raised platform. It appears they are voting as you see hands being raised and lowered throughout the crowd. You decide to get close so you can hear their discussion.

Listen to the discussion

It seems They are having a political meeting and voting on town issues.

Meet Socrates

The crowd has been whipped up into a rage. They say a well-known teacher named socrates is leading young people away from the greek gods. This is all his fault for his lack of piety. You decide you should go meet him privately.

Try to escape

Answer the Door

Socrates tells you the crowd is a Perfect example of why democracy is dangerous. He says, “election is a skill. It needs to be trained. If everyone has a voice, everyone needs to be trained - and they clearly are not. IMagine you were on a ship in a storm. Who do you want to lead? The Captain or the passengers? It makes no sense!” Suddenly, you hear a banging on the door.

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Your ESCAPE FAILs. Guards were waiting outside the back door. You are jailed as a collaborator. You are desynced.

Attend the Trial

Two athenian soldiers enter the house and announce socrates is under arrest. He is to stand trial in the main forum, immediately. He doesn't seem too happy.

Key 1: Political and Legal decisions are made by the people.

Listen to Socrates’ defense

The trial will be heard by a group of chosen citizens. Around 500 show up to hear the testimony. Whatever the majority decide will be the verdict. Socrates is officially charged with leading the youth of Athens away from the Greek gods. The prosecutor lays out his case and Socrates is given a chance to defend himself.

Men of Athens, I am on trial today only because those who claim to be wise do not like to be questioned. It was god himself who placed me in a position to do so. I am not only innocent, I am, in fact, exactly what this country needs to avoid laziness. Government should be questioned and challenged, even if it is led by the people. That is why many young men have followed me. They too see the need. Am I to be punished for saying what is right?

See the vote!

Death!!!

Send him to prison

Cook him a great meal!

He is found guilty by a majority of the jury. They ask you what you think the punishment should be.

Jury vote (animate little dots filling in on two columns?

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Socrates Agrees he should be rewarded with a great meal for his actions! The crowd, however, does not. You are desynced.

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Socrates refuses to go to prison or be exiled from Athens. He agrees that he’ll pay a fine. That is not enough to satisfy the crowd. You are desynced.

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I should be rewarded for exposing these so-called wise men - a great meal would do. But, I will accept your decision. I will go to my death without dispute. There is no reason to fear death since only the gods know what it is anyway. You have hurt yourselves far more than you’ve hurt me.

Attempt to Warp

Key 2: Minority opinions, voices and rights may be ignored or stifled by the majority.

By a vote of 360 to 140 the jury decided Socrates would die by drinking poison. Go Democracy!

Decisions are Made by women and children.

Decisions are made by minority groups.

Decisions are made by the people .

Decisions are made by elected leaders.

Choose the 1st key of knowledge to unlock the portal to the next stage. In a democracy…

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Powerful leaders can have too strong of an influence.

Women never have a chance to participate.

Decisions are made quickly without much thought.

Minority rights and opinions are often ignored.

Choose the 2nd key of knowledge to unlock the portal to the next stage. A weakness of democracy is…

Enter Portal To next stage

Choose your Government!

Autocracy

Anarchy

Fascism

Communism

Feudalism

Democracy

Time Warp