Many of the contributions made by athens during the classical age have continued to influence european and american society up to the present day. first, what are the enduring contributions? where can you observe them in modern american culture? what was it about athens at the time that nurtured these developments? why were these contributions so enormously influential?

Your political system is built on the Greek system this was adopted by the Romans and formed the the system in Europe. It came to the USA with the settlers. 
Add to that the legal system of the US saw borne in Greece. Remember that the Romans refined the Greek system but did not alter it much. Look up the city of Cincinnati it was named for Cincinnatious an Emperor of Rome this will give you reasons that will show how Athens during the classical age have continued to influence European and American society up to the present day, LAWS, POLITICAL SYSTEM and the ARTS. 

That will give you all the information you just have to research on they web and write the essay.