Grade 6 Lesson at a Glance: Chapter 13, Lesson 2

Houghton Mifflin Social Studies
A Message of Ancient Days

Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 13, Lesson 2: The Rise of the Republic (pp. 406-411)

The Big Idea
Framework Concept: Rights The Romans adopted the republican form of government and gradually expanded rights to all citizens.

Outline Roman society, pointing out the division into slaves and citizens, and the further division of citizens into plebeians and patricians. With students' help make a chart to describe the differences between the plebeians and patricians. Add to the chart as plebeians gain greater rights. Show how those struggles changed the Roman style of government.

Contrast consuls' term of office, and responsibilities with those of the Senate. Review Rome's early expansion, and point out the effectiveness of making conquered groups allies.

Lesson Outline
Use the Lesson Outline to preview the content of the lesson. You may wish to print it for your students as a guide during reading.

Check for Understanding

Ask students to form pairs and to stage a conversation between a plebeian and a patrician about some part of the struggle for plebeians' rights. Encourage students to argue why their viewpoint is best for the future of Rome.
Have students draw a cartoon showing one aspect of the struggle for rights between plebeians and patricians from the point of view of either: a plebeian, a patrician, a woman citizen, or a slave.

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