FOUNDATIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION The American Experience British Tradition State Constitutions The Enlightenment Athenian Democracy U.S. Constitution

Athenian Democracy ( B.C.) §Democracies vs. Republics §Origins of Athenian Democracy

Athenian Democracy ( B.C.) §Structure l Assembly (up to 6,000 people) Decided all important issues All free males Leader selected by lot for each meeting

Athenian Democracy ( B.C.) §Structure l Council of 500 Executive committee of the assembly Leader selected by lot for each meeting One year term Serve only twice in a lifetime

Athenian Democracy ( B.C.) §Structure l Magistrates –Ran the government on a day-to-day basis –Selected by lot and served one year l Courts –Juries selected by lot –201 on each jury –Decision by majority vote

Athenian Democracy ( B.C.) §Structure l Generals Elected by the people l Ostracism Majority of “negative” votes 10 year exile

Benefits of Athenian democracy? §Views of people implemented §No lifetime politicians §Checks and balances §People well-informed

§Success determined by the virtue of the people §Many excluded from participation l Women l Slaves l Parents not Athenian §Best for small, homogeneous societies Problems