The Legacy of Ancient Greece How did Ancient Athens use Democracy?

I. Greek City-States A. 2000 BCE: the Greeks established cities along the coastline B. Each city was like its own country (City-States) C. City-States had the following govs: 1. Monarchy a. Ruled by a king, hereditary b. Power to rule comes from God(s) – Divine Right 2. Aristocracy a. Ruled by rich, important families, hereditary b. Power comes from wealth

3. Oligarchy a. Rule based on wealth, ability, or control of military II. Democracy comes to Greek City-States * Athens, most powerful city-state was an Aristocracy and landowners were forcing residents who owed debt into slavery b. Not hereditary 4. Tyranny a. One member of the Oligarchy gains total control A. Solon 1)writes a law outlawing slavery based on debt

2) Creates “citizenship” based on wealth (four classes) 3) Top three classes serve in Assembly, fourth class can vote 4) Free adult males born in Athens were “citizens”, few participate B. Cleisthenes: 1) allows 4th class to serve in Assembly 2) Separates govt into branches: a) Council of 500 b) Assembly c)juries 1/10 of Athens total population C. Pericles Pays citizens to be in Gov more Athenians can participate * Athens is now a direct democracy since citizens make laws directly