Athens

Government in Athens Kings – first government Oligarchy – a government where a small group of people have absolute rule (usually upper class) Reforms were made to the government to keep people from uprising.

Ruler #1: Draco - wanted to prevent civil war - appointed to draw up a written code - laws applied equally to ALL classes - laws were extremely harsh - did not succeed

Ruler #2: Solon A rich merchant. He set up a constitution that took power away from the rich. Set up limits on how much land someone could own Gave landowners a right to vote Gave assembly power to pass laws Erased all debts Freed people enslaved due to debt Gave citizenship to non-Athenian artists Ordered fathers to teach sons a trade

Under Solon: More Athenians took part in government Trade increased Poor were helped (but not too much) Rich were VERY affected, but reforms did not necessarily increase their wealth.

Put into effect a democratic (equality of all) Constitution Ruler #3: Cleisthenes Put into effect a democratic (equality of all) Constitution Freedom of speech Council of 500 Members chosen each year by LOT (lottery) Believed elections favored wealthy and well-spoken Believed ALL citizens were smart enough to serve in government

New IDEAS in government: Constitution – written rules Term limits – everyone had a chance to participate Freedom of Speech - people could oppose government without fear of punishment Democracy – equality for all