1. Visual King People Few Leaders Leader Rule by the People
The Development of Democracy in Ancient Greece
Monarchy Aristocracy Oligarchy Tyranny Democracy
Definition
Ruling power is in the hands of one person
A small group of noble, land-owning families rule
Ruling power is in the hands of a few leaders
Ruling power is in the hands of a person who has seized control
Ruling power is in the hands of the people
Visual
King
People
Noble Families
(small # land owners)
Few Leaders
Leader
(seized control)
Rule by the People
How was this form of government practiced in ancient Greece?
Who practiced this type of government (Person or groups of people)?
Kings inherited their power through their family
Mycenaeans
Sparta (combination)
Families often gain political power after working in the king’s military
Noble rule is passed down in the family and is based on land ownership
Athens
Political decisions were made by a few aristocrats and selected members of the middle class that were wealthy.
With support from the middle class, tyrants seized power to reform laws, aid the poor, and cancel debt
Majority rule in the Assembly would decide votes.

2. Why did this form of government decline in ancient Greece?
The Development of Democracy in Ancient Greece
Monarchy Aristocracy Oligarchy Tyranny Democracy
Why did this form of government decline in ancient Greece?
The Dorians destroyed many Mycenaean kingdoms.
There were repeated clashes between the Aristocracy who governed Athens and the common people.
Some oligarchs ruled harshly and their subjects rebelled.
Other oligarchs lost the faith of their supporters because they could not solve key problems.
Some tyrants became harsh and greedy and were overthrown
Oligarchy replaced democracy in Athens by Sparta after the Peloponnesian War.