Grade 5 · Social Studies · Unit 5 of 7
Rulers and Society
Who held power in ancient societies
What your child practises
Authoritarian rule (pharaohs, emperors), how societies were organized into groups with different power, written law codes, and the contrast with Athenian democracy, which only some people could take part in.
Alberta Curriculum learning outcome: authoritarian governments and social systems · pharaohs, emperors, social groups, laws and who had a say
Sample questions
A taste of this unit. In the app, questions change every time and get easier or harder to match your child.
Question 1
What is an authoritarian government?
- one where a ruler or small group holds most of the power
- one where every person votes on every law
- one run only by children
- one with no leaders
Show answer
one where a ruler or small group holds most of the power
Hint: Authoritarian means a few people hold the power and others have little say.
Question 2
How was Athens different from Egypt under a pharaoh?
- Athens had a pharaoh too
- There were no laws
- Citizens voted on laws instead of one ruler deciding
- Athens had no cities
Show answer
Citizens voted on laws instead of one ruler deciding
Hint: Democracy means citizens take part in decisions, though in Athens only some people were citizens.
Question 3
What is a social system?
- a way to read a map
- a type of farm tool
- a kind of boat
- the way a society is divided into groups with different roles
Show answer
the way a society is divided into groups with different roles
Hint: Social systems show who has more or less power, wealth and freedom.
Question 4
Who was at the top of the Inca Empire?
- the Sapa Inca (emperor)
- a pharaoh
- a consul
- a mayor
Show answer
the Sapa Inca (emperor)
Hint: The emperor held the highest power in the Inca Empire.
Question 5
How might a ruler keep control over a large empire?
- by letting go of the land
- with no officials
- with an army, officials and tax collectors
- with a vote of all farmers
Show answer
with an army, officials and tax collectors
Hint: Authoritarian rulers often used soldiers and officials to enforce rules.
Question 6
Rome changed from a republic to an empire. What changed?
- Rome became a small village
- One emperor held most of the power
- Rome had no leader
- Everyone voted on everything
Show answer
One emperor held most of the power
Hint: Augustus became the first emperor in 27 BCE.