Citizenship and Athens WHI: SOL 5c Citizenship and Athens

Social structure and citizenship in the Greek polis Polis: city-state Hierarchy Citizens (free, adult, landowning males) had political rights and the responsibility of civic participation in government. Women and foreigners had no political rights. Slaves had no political rights.

Athens Stages in the evolution of Athenian government: Monarchy, aristocracy, tyranny, democracy Monarchy: a government in which a hereditary ruler exercises central power Aristocracy: rule by hereditary landowning elite Tyranny: rulers who gained power by force Democracy: a government by the people “ My Apple Tastes Delicious”

Tyrants Draco: wrote the first constitution of Athens, created a unified code of laws Solon: appointed chief official, made needed reforms Outlawed debt slavery, freed those already sold into slavery for debt Opened high offices to more citizens Granted citizenship to some foreigners Gave the Athenian assembly more say in important decisions

Democracy in Athens Origin of democratic principles: Direct democracy: citizens take part directly in the day-to-day affairs of government Public Debate: discussion Duties of the Citizen: Serve on a jury (random selection) Serve in the Council of 500 for one year (random selection) Receive a stipend (fixed salary) to participate in the Assembly and governing Council Could banish or send away a public figure who was a threat to the democracy