1. Democracy in Athens

2. Do Now
Take out your vocabulary sheet and Persian Wars Questions.

3. Democracy in Athens Cleisthenes created a direct democracy
Assembly would either accept or veto laws
Only free males over 18 years old could vote (no slaves or women)

4. Cleisthenes

5. Pericles Made more democratic reforms
Believed that all citizens, rich and poor, should serve equally in government
Laid a foundation for future democracies

6. Pericles

7. Activity
Turn to page 321 of your textbook to read about Pericles.

8. Pericles’ Funeral Oration
In 431 B.C., Pericles gave a speech, called Pericles’ Funeral Oration, to honor those killed in a war between Athens and Sparta. The speech gives a new view of Athenians as citizens who put aside their own problems for the sake of the city-state. They obeyed laws because they wanted to, and therefore the citizens were part of the democratic system.

9. Pericles Background
Pericles was related to Cleisthenes. As leader, Pericles oversaw a truce with Sparta in 445 B.C. This time of peace allowed him time to spend public funds on rebuilding Athens. His greatest building project was the Parthenon, which in today’s money cost about $3 billion. The money came in part from tribute paid by members of the Delian League.

10. Parthenon

11. Parthenon

12. Parthenon

13. Parthenon

14. Parthenon Reconstruction

15. Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez can be compared to Pericles. In the 1960’s, Chavez worked for equal rights and justice for poor farmworkers, many of whom where Mexican American. He formed a group that would become the United Farm Workers of America. This group used nonviolent actions to get higher wages and better working conditions for farmworkers.

16. Cesar Chavez

17. Representative Democracy
Direct Democracy
Representative Democracy
All citizens make decisions directly about their government
Best suited for small populations that are able to meet frequently
Example: Athens in 508 B.C.
Citizens elect representatives to make decisions for all
Best suited for large populations that cannot meet as a whole
Example: The United States today

18. Wrap Up What is a direct democracy?
What is a representative democracy?
Which one was used in Athens?
Which one works best for the United States? Why?