Athenian Democratic Reformers

Democracy - Demos (“people”) + kratein (“to rule”) Developed through various reforms The Greek Reformers & Philosophers: – 4 th century B.C.E. in Athens, great thinkers appeared. – Used logic and reason to investigate the nature of the universe, human society, and morality. – The Greeks’ respect for human intelligence and power of reason allowed the ideas of Democracy to flourish. – Human ability to reason simply means that humans can question and analyze the world around them to come up with the best decision out of a variety of possibilities. – Without faith that humans can reason, democracy can not function. Athenian Democratic Reformers

Draco

621 B.E.C. - Athenian noble elected to lead Athenian Assembly 1 st in series of reformers that helped transform Athens from an aristocracy (government of the rich) to a democracy…took almost 200 years! Credited with putting down first written laws of Athens (prior – only verbal, making it difficult for all citizens to know what they could and could not do) – Severe (modern English term draconian meaning “severe” or “harsh”) – Written “in blood, not ink” – Written laws meant that judges could not show favoritism or make up laws

Solon

594 B.C.E. – 2 nd reformer that helped transform Athens from an aristocracy to a democracy Rewrote Draco’s laws Helped the poor – All male citizens had right to vote – Established new, more representative assembly of citizens to make political decisions. Had 400 members chosen by lot (Lottery) – Ended debt enslavement – Canceled land mortgages – Limited amount of land a person could own In the US, which laws or policies benefit the poor?

Clisthenes

508 B.C.E. – Determined to establish a democracy Enlarged Athenian Assembly created by Solon Removed aristocrats from leadership positions Created Council of 500 to represent the different classes – Created and administered laws after they were approved by Assembly Officials were elected Executive power – Ten generals called strategi (singular strategus) – Elected for one year Citizenship granted to some freedmen (former slaves) and to some immigrants Ostracism – Names written on ostrakon once a year – Most votes = ten years of exile

Pericles 461 B.C.E. - Pericles came into power following the Persian Wars and continued to develop democracy in Athens. Strengthened Greek democracy by increasing the number of paid public officials and by paying jurors. This enabled poorer citizens to participate in government. Through greater citizen participation, Athens evolved into a direct democracy. This is a form of government in which citizens rule and make laws directly rather than through representatives. The Acropolis, the center of political and religious life for Athenians…which we will tour later, and other buildings were either built or influenced by Pericles. Oh…and he had a mistress…Aspasia

Effects of Reformers The result of the tyrants and reformers was the creation of the most democratic government in world history. All officials were chosen by lottery; the revised assembly had full and final authority of the making and execution of laws; juries were comprised of all citizens who chose to take part in the trials. By the middle of the 5 th century B.C., Athens had developed into a direct democracy.  citizens were males, 18 years old, fathers had to be citizens  legislative branch passes laws  executive branch carries out laws  judicial branch conducts trials with paid jurors