Democracy Greece and Roman Roots

Definition Democracy derives from the ancient Greek, “demokratia”: demos = the people kratien = to rule

Definition Other types of government derived from Greek base: Aristocracy: Rule by the best Monarchy: Rule by one person Oligarchy: Rule by the wealthy Timocracy: Rule by the honorable Tyranny: Rule by the rulers, for the rulers

Ancient Greece a collection of city-states Meant to distinguish the idea that it is the people collectively, not any class, family, or group that rules

The Nature of Athenian Democracy As democracy, Athens ruled by the people, but not all people able to take part in government; only about 10 percent of total population Only free male Athenians over age 20 who had completed military training allowed to vote Women, immigrants, children, slaves had no role in government

Direct Democracy Citizens making policy and law decisions in person Practiced by the Athenians

Height of Democracy Three Main Bodies Athenian democracy consisted of three main bodies— Assembly Council of 500 Courts Assembly Included everyone eligible to serve in government All present voted on laws, all important decisions Called direct democracy Council of 500 Created by Cleisthenes Wrote laws to be voted on by full assembly Courts Complex series of courts Members could number up to 6,000 Chosen from the assembly Heard trials, sentenced criminals

Roman Republic

The Roman government was a republic. The republic was established in 509 B.C. and lasted nearly 500 years. Only men with money and property could vote. Representative democracy

How was the Roman government organized? Ancient Rome developed a form of government that included elements of each of the governments from Ancient Greece. The Roman Republic had: individuals with significant power (similar to a monarchy) leaders selected from the wealthiest families (similar to an aristocracy or oligarchy) elected officials similar to a democracy Between these ruling groups there was a system of checks and balances so that no individual could grow too powerful.

From a Republic to an Empire The Roman Republic could not solve increasing problems of corruption, governing expanding territories, and jobless masses in the cities. Julius Caesar was named dictator for life but his assassination led to a struggle for power. In 31B.C.E. his great nephew eventually gained andheld power for more than 40 years as Imperatore (emperor). The emperor was the supreme authority. But to rulehis vast empire, he relied on a strong bureaucracy of public officials.

Questions of Democracy How do we know what the people want?

Questions of Democracy Why do we think “the People” will make good political decisions?