Roman Dictatorship Speech

Directions: Imagine you are Julius Caesar, a dictator of Rome, and you have refused to give power back to the Roman Republic. You have disbanded the Roman Republic and you now need to convince the Roman people this is for the better. You will explain the failures of the Roman Republic and how you, a dictator, will protect the Roman people. In other words, how will Rome flourish under your control? Organize your speech and answer all of the following questions. There will be an election, and yes I understand Julius Caesar and most dictators don’t gain power by elections, but this is America. Once the election is complete the winner will face off against the winner of the Greek Democracy Speeches. Before you start to answer each question, think about organizing them into three categories: Introduction, body of the speech, and conclusion. Please refer to the rubric for more information.

Mandatory Unit Questions - Are governments necessary for the protection of people in society?

Name: ______Grade: ______/ 24 points
Roman Dictatorship Speech Rubric
Criteria / Quality
4 3 2 1
Purposes / Student’s speech answers & explains the key purposes of Roman dictatorship and answers all questions presented. / Student’s speech answers & explains the key purposes of Roman dictatorship, but does not answer all questions presented. / Student’s speech vaguely answers & explains the key purposes of Roman dictatorship, but does not answer all questions presented. / Student’s speech fails to answer or explain the key purposes of Roman dictatorship, but does not answer all questions presented.
Introduction / (1) Gets attention
(2) Clearly identifies topic
(3) Establishes credibility
(4) Previews the main points / Meets any three of the four criteria / Meets any two of the four criteria / Meets only one of the four criteria
Body / Main points are clear,well supported, and explained with examples. / Main points are somewhat clear.
Some are supported with a few examples. / Main points need clarity, support, and examples. / Main points are not clear and have no support or examples.
Conclusion / (1) Reviews main points
(2) Brings closure
(3) Memorable / Reviews main points, brings closure / Brings closure / Does not bring closure; the audience is left hanging
Eye Contact / Eye contact with audience more than 75% of the time / Eye contact with audience more than 50% of the time / Eye contact with audience less than 50% of the time / Little or no eye contact
Preparation & Clarity / Student appears 100% prepared and speaks clearly and distinctly all the time with no mispronounced words. / Student appears almost completed prepared and speaks clearly and distinctly nearly all the time with very few mispronounced word. / Student appears less than prepared and speaks somewhat clearly and distinctly most of the time with several mispronounced words. / Student is not prepared and often mumbles or cannot be understood with more than three mispronounced words.

Directions: Before you start to answer each question think about organized them into three categories: Introduction, body of the speech, and conclusion. Please refer to the rubric for more information and review graphic organizer: persuasive speech.

6A Student Generated Questions Section: / 6B Student Generated Questions Section:
  1. Unit Question - Are governments necessary for the protection of people in society?
  2. What personal trait can be your biggest political flaw?
  3. Why is your opinion more important than those of the people of the Roman Republic? Why should we trust you as a dictator in replacement of a Republic? Will the people of Rome have any voice in politics?
  4. How will you improve the distribution of food and water?
  5. How will you improve the standard of living for the people of Rome?
  6. What are your plans for the military and protection of people of Rome’s empire? Will women be recruited into the Roman Legions?
  7. What are your plans to help improve the Roman economy?
  8. Will the Patricians and Plebeians have equal rights? Women? What about slavery throughout Roman territory?
  9. How will you ensure there is not a major slave revolt (Spartacus) and the citizens of Rome are safe?
  10. What immediate changes will you make as dictator in your first 100 days?
  11. What are your plans to raise the money in order to achieve your goals as Dictator?
  12. Do you have any plans on improving relationships with conquered people? How will react if Rome is threatened by a military like that of Hannibal Barca and the Carthagians in the future?
  13. Will there be changes to right of citizenship?
  14. Will there be changes made to our rights and constitution (12 Tables)?
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  1. Unit Question - Are governments necessary for the protection of people in society?
  2. Will citizenship and rights be expanded to conquered people? slaves? Women? Would more equality be beneficial to Rome?
  3. The Patricians are conspiring against you. What will you do to maintain power?
  4. How will you ensure that you serve the people of Rome and not just your own needs?
  5. Will you expand the power of the Plebeians?
  6. What are your feelings and thoughts about Cincinnatus and his perspective on power?
  7. Is dictatorship the best form of government? How is it better than a republic/democracy? How will you justify replacing the republic with a dictatorship? What other civilizations have a dictatorship?
  8. As a dictator, how will you handle rebellion of your own people? Dissent? How will you ensure you do not anger the Roman people?
  9. How will you improve our military and defense? Will you form any alliances?
  10. What are your plans to expand the Roman Empire?
  11. How will you help the poor? How will you help poor people get jobs?
  12. What immediate changes will you make as dictator in your first 100 days?
  13. Will you take the ideas of others under consideration? How?

Date / Teacher Advice / Student Self Assessment
Logically organize questions
(Introduction, Body of Speech, & Conclusion)
Complete 1/2 of your speech
Complete all of your speech
Review your answers with family/friends. Ask them for suggestions/advice!
TIPS: Practice your speech in front of family/friends and/or a mirror. Make sure your practice any difficult words. Make sure to practice making eye contact.
Check Website / Greek (Athens) Democracy Speech & Roman Dictatorship Speech
Graphic Organizer: Persuasive Speech
Step #1: Introduction Paragraph
Hook: Circle Type Used: Snapshot, Anecdote, Quote, Dialogue, Question, or a Bold & Challenging Statement.
Context: (A little background information the audience needs to know)
Preview Main Points:
Step #2: Body of Speech (recommended organization)
Agricultural / Economic Questions
Voting / Citizenship Questions
Military / Defense Questions
Education / Athletics Questions
Step #3: Conclusion (Remember, this has two parts. It must restate your focus in new words and end on a "memorable" statement.)