Citizen

Definition

A citizen is a legally recognized member of a political community, endowed with rights and responsibilities. In ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, the concept of citizenship was tied to participation in political life, encompassing both the right to vote and the obligation to contribute to the city's governance. Citizenship defined the social structure and was critical for the development of democratic principles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Athens, citizenship was restricted to free-born males who had completed military training and whose parents were both Athenian citizens.
2. Citizens had the right to participate in assemblies, vote on laws, and hold public office, which was fundamental to Athenian democracy.
3. The idea of citizenship extended beyond legal status; it involved active participation in civic duties, such as military service and public debate.
4. Women, slaves, and foreign residents (metics) were excluded from citizenship, reflecting the socio-political hierarchies of ancient Athens.
5. Citizenship in Athens fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility among individuals, essential for the functioning of the polis.

Review Questions

• How did the definition of citizenship in ancient Athens shape its democratic practices?
  • In ancient Athens, citizenship was exclusively granted to free-born males who met specific criteria. This definition allowed for direct participation in democratic practices such as voting and holding public office. By restricting citizenship to a select group, Athens ensured that political decisions were made by those who had a vested interest in the city's welfare, reinforcing civic engagement and the notion that democracy relies on active participation.
• What were the implications of excluding certain groups from Athenian citizenship on its political system?
  • Excluding women, slaves, and metics from Athenian citizenship meant that a significant portion of the population could not participate in political life. This exclusion highlighted social inequalities within the city-state and limited the diversity of perspectives represented in governance. As a result, while Athenian democracy was groundbreaking for its time, it simultaneously created an elitist system that undermined the principles of equality and justice for all inhabitants.
• Evaluate how Aristotle's views on citizenship relate to his broader understanding of the polis and its role in human flourishing.
  • Aristotle viewed citizenship as a vital aspect of human fulfillment, closely tied to his concept of the polis as a natural community. He argued that individuals achieve their highest potential through active participation in civic life and governance. For Aristotle, citizens were not merely subjects with rights; they were integral to creating a virtuous society. Thus, he emphasized that true citizenship fosters moral responsibility and contributes to the common good, positioning the polis as essential for individual and communal flourishing.

Related terms

Polis: The polis was a city-state in ancient Greece, serving as the central political unit where citizens engaged in governance and civic life.

Democracy: Democracy is a system of government where citizens exercise power directly or through elected representatives, emphasizing equal participation in decision-making.

Metic: Metics were resident aliens in Athens who were not full citizens but played significant roles in the economy and culture of the city.