The Development of Athenian Democracy

Athens was the first civilization to create a democracy -Women, slaves and foreigners were not able to participate -Athenian men of all social classes participated in government by debating and voting in the assembly - The poor had a voice in government for the first time in history Athenians began to call their government system a democracy around 500 BCE. Demos means people and kratia means power.

Athenian democracy developed after several other forms of government failed: 560 BCE 508 BCE 2000-594 BCE 594 BCE Most city states including Athens were governed by monarchies Democracy develops when Cleisthenes establishes the Council of 500 and the Assembly Tyrants rule take control by force Aristocrats govern Athens Power is in the hands of the people Power is in the hands of one wealthy person. Power is in the hands of the wealthy landowners (nobility) Power is in the hands of a single person who took control by force

Athenian democracy developed after other forms of government failed. The first form of government in most of Greek city-states was a monarchy. Who has power in a monarchy? What are some advantages and disadvantages with this type of government? Talk to your neighbor

Around 594 BCE, the wealthy aristocrats, or wealthy nobles took control away from the king and ruled Athens. This form of government was an aristocracy. Who has power in an aristocracy? What are some advantages and disadvantages with this type of government? Talk to your neighbor

The aristocracy made decisions that helped wealthy Athenians get richer. But many Athenians became poor or enslaved. Athenians called for change in government. Greek students protesting over debt reform in 2012

NOT Draco of Athens Tyrants/reformers: Draco- wrote the first laws of Athens. They were very harsh, i.e., “Draconian” Solon– cancelled land debts and helped by outlawing debt slavery Debt slavery: People ask for a loan and pledge themselves as collateral if they could not repay the debt Draco Malfoy Solon to debt slavery! Live free my fellow Athenians! Solon

For about 50 years, Athens was ruled by one tyrant after another Tyrant= a person who takes control by force and has all of the power -do not have legitimate authority to rule -usually have the support of the military because the military used force to bring the tyrant to power -not legitimate but made some reforms that helped the poor Pisistratus: lowered taxes, gave land and loans to poor in order to boost agriculture and trade

In 508 BCE, Cleisthenes became a leader In 508 BCE, Cleisthenes became a leader. He created two government branches that held power Assembly Council of 500 Responsible for treasury and financial matters Responsible for foreign relations Made up of all male citizens Held debates on issues Passed all laws DEMOCRACY

Metics were foreigners living in Athens.

Since all adult males in Athens were expected to participate in the assembly and vote on all laws, did Athens have a democracy? Why or why not? talk to your neighbor.

Sparta Sparta was ruled by an oligarchy. In an oligarchy, power is in the hands of a few Sparta’s oligarchy was comprised of two kings and 28 elders who ruled Sparta as a military state Spartan citizenship required a lifetime of military service. Spartan boys began training at age 7.

The Assembly met here to discuss politics and vote on laws Pnyx Hill, Athens Why do you think this spot was chosen?

Athenian men were expected to go to the assemblies and vote Athenian men were expected to go to the assemblies and vote. It was their civic duty to participate in debate and decision-making.

Do U.S. citizens have a civic duty? How do American citizens participate in government? Think of as many ways as possible.

How are they exercising their civic duty?

How are they exercising their civic duty?

How was Athenian democracy different from Sparta’s oligarchy?

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