The Foundations of Democracy Ancient Greece Ancient Rome

A. Ancient Greece

The birthplace of democracy is in Athens Athens used to have a monarchy Then it became an aristocracy Then, when the citizens governed or ruled themselves, it became a democracy

Democracy developed because of three Athenian rulers: Solon, Cleisthenes, and Pericles. They allowed citizens to vote and Athens developed into a direct democracy. However, not everyone was considered a citizen

They also separated the government into three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial).

Democracy ended when Macedonia (country to the North) invaded Greece in 338 B.C. Alexander the Great then ruled Greece

Philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle continued the development of democracy through their writings Natural Laws: laws of nature that explained how people desired self-rule

Socrates – 1st great Greek philosopher to voice his beliefs in democracy. Believed in a meritocracy where those with exceptional ability (really smart) and moral character should be leaders.

Plato – wrote The Republic. Believed a state should be ruled by the wisest not the richest to save the people from evil. They would be called philosopher-kings.

Aristotle – wrote Politics. Believed men had a desire and need to live in a governed society.

Greece’s Legacy to Democracy – Direct Democracy Three Branches of Government Natural Laws

B. Ancient Rome Rome discovered democracy through contact (war) with the Greeks

Established a Republic in 509 B.C. Divided government into three separate branches

Legislative branch made up of the: Senate which controlled foreign and financial affairs The two assemblies

Created the Twelve Tables A written law code that applied to EVERYONE. Romans believed citizens had the right to equal treatment under the law.

Rome’s Legacy to Democracy Idea of a republic legal and political terms used today A government of laws, not of men