Chapter 8 Section 2 Government in Athens

Warm-up 1 Land surrounded on three sides by water is called a/an island or peninsula? What sea separates Greece from Egypt (see map)? Greece’ geography could be described as mountainous or flat? Aegean Mediterannean 4. The Minoan civilization developed on the island of Crete or on mainland Greece? The Mycenaeans built land fortresses or settled along islands? In Greece, each city had it’s own government. We call these polis or empires?

The Big Idea The people of Athens tried many different forms of government before creating a democracy. Main Ideas Aristocrats and tyrants ruled early Athens. Athens created the world’s first democracy. Ancient democracy was different than modern democracy.

Aristocrats and Tyrants Rule Greece is the birthplace of democracy, a type of government in which people rule themselves. The word democracy comes from Greek words meaning “rule of the people.” But Greek city-states didn’t start as democracies, and not all became democratic.

The Legend of Athens

Rule by a Few People Even Athens, the city where democracy was born, began with a different kind of government. In early Athens, kings ruled the city-state, until the aristocrats, took power in the form of an oligarchy. The Eupatrid family held power

Rule by a Few People The aristocrats dominated Athenian society. As the richest men in town, they ran the city’s economy. They also served as its generals and judges. Common people had little say in the government.

Rule by a Few People As a result of rebels trying to overthrow the aristocrats, harsh laws were created by a man named Draco. The people thought his laws were too strict.

Rule by a Few People Because Draco’s laws were written down, aristocrats could no longer dictate what was legal and what was not. Draconian means very cruel or severe.

Cylon’s Coup

The Wisest Man in Athens In the 590s BC, Solon was chosen to reform the government Enslavement for Debt was abolished. Urged farmers to grow cash crops for trade Created a set of laws allowing all free men to be citizens, and to attend the Assembly.

Solon’s Reforms But his efforts were not enough for the Athenians. They were ready to end the rule of the aristocracy. In 546 BC, Peisistratus overthrew the oligarchy, however, and became the tyrant of Athens.

The Rise of Tyrants He was called a tyrant. Tyrants were usually good, not harsh, leaders in ancient Greece. Tyrants were able to stay in power because they had the support of the army and the people.

The Rise of Tyrants Peisistratus brought peace and prosperity to the city. Reduced taxes Made festivals important Beautify the city

The Rise of Tyrants

Questions What were Greek tyrants like? Why was Athens considered at one point an oligarchy Why did many Athenians support the rule of tyrants?

Warm-up The world’s first democratic government was formed in the Greek city- state of Athens or Sparta? At first, the city of Athens was ruled by a king. This is called oligarchy or monarchy? Over time, a small group of wealthy landowners took power. This form of government is called an aristocracy or tyranny? The common people demanded more rights, so a series of tyrants seized power from the aristocrats and made reforms. Rule by a person who takes power by force is called democracy or tyranny? Some tyrants were good and some were bad. The tyrant who made harsh laws and began debt slavery was Draco or Solon? Eventually all free (male) citizens gained the right to vote. Rule by the people is called oligarchy or democracy?

Democracy’s Champion

Athens Creates Democracy A leader named Cleisthenes, a member of one of the most powerful families in Athens, overthrew the aristocracy and established the world’s first democracy. Cleisthenes is considered the father of democracy.

Democracy under Cleisthenes Under Cleisthenes, all citizens in Athens had the right to participate in the assembly, or gathering of citizens, that passed the city’s laws.

Democracy under Cleisthenes The Assembly choose 10 generals to run the army and navy The Council of 500 administered everyday government businesses such as taxes, treaties, and public works.

Democracy under Cleisthenes The assembly would meet on the hillside so that everyone could attend and hear what was said. Every citizen could speak his opinion on issues. Voting was usually done by hand or secret ballot.

Ostracism

Democracy under Cleisthenes For major decisions, however, the assembly needed about 6000 people to vote. They needed many citizens to participate and sometimes had to go searching for people to be in the assembly.

Democracy under Cleisthenes The Athenians therefore selected citizens by lot to be part of the Council of 500. These officials decided which laws the assembly should discuss. This helped the government run more smoothly.

Changes in Athenian Democracy As time passed, citizens got more power, such as serving on juries. Athens remained a democracy for about 170 years.

Changes in Athenian Democracy Athens reached its height under Pericles, who encouraged people to take pride in their city. He led the government from 460 BC-429 BC He funded the building of the Parthenon.

Changes in Athenian Democracy Encouraged people to participate in the government and to spread democracy. Pericles also began to pay people who served in public office or on juries.

The End of Democracy in Athens Athens was conquered by the Macedonians and fell under their influence. Athens would continue with a modified form of democracy, however it would be influence by a foreign power.

Questions Who was the father of democracy? Why were slaves sent to round up citizens? Why was a smaller council of officials necessary?

Ancient Democracy Differs from Modern Democracy All citizens in Athens could participate directly in the government, which was called a direct democracy. Each vote counted, and the majority ruled.

Ancient Democracy Differs from Modern Democracy The United States is too large for direct democracy to work for the whole country. Instead, we have a representative democracy.

Ancient Democracy Differs from Modern Democracy In a representative democracy, also called a republic, citizens elect officials to represent them in the government. These officials then make the laws.

Questions What is a direct democracy? How does a representative democracy work? Why didn’t the United States establish a direct democracy?

Close Briefly explain in writing the benefits and drawbacks of the various governments of ancient Athens

Close: Answers Oligarchy-aristocrats ruled; only a select few had a say in the government Tyranny-powerful leader ruled and improved life of the citizens, common people had no role in the government Democracy-all citizens ruled, power of nobles limited; women, slaves, and foreigners have no say, difficult to make decisions with so many people.