Council of Five Hundred

Definition

The Council of Five Hundred was a key institution in ancient Athens that played a central role in the development of democracy. Established in 507 BCE by Cleisthenes, this council served as a legislative body that represented the citizens of Athens, allowing them to participate directly in political decision-making. The council was made up of 500 members, selected by lot from the ten tribes of Athens, highlighting the democratic principle of equal representation and participation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Council of Five Hundred met daily and was responsible for setting the agenda for the Assembly, ensuring that all topics of importance were discussed.
2. Members of the council served for one year and could not be re-elected for at least ten years, promoting rotation and preventing any one person from gaining too much power.
3. The council oversaw various government functions, including foreign affairs, financial matters, and public works projects, making it crucial for day-to-day governance.
4. The random selection process used to choose members from each tribe helped reduce corruption and favoritism, embodying the democratic ethos of equal opportunity.
5. Although the council had significant influence, ultimate decision-making power rested with the Assembly, where all male citizens could participate in discussions and votes.

Review Questions

• How did the Council of Five Hundred contribute to the democratic process in Athens?
  • The Council of Five Hundred significantly contributed to the democratic process by providing a structured way for citizens to participate in governance. It set agendas for discussions in the Assembly and ensured diverse representation from various tribes within Athens. This allowed for broader involvement from ordinary citizens in political decisions and helped cultivate a sense of community ownership over governance.
• Analyze the impact of Cleisthenes' reforms on Athenian political structure and how they laid the groundwork for future democratic practices.
  • Cleisthenes' reforms established a political structure that emphasized equal representation and citizen involvement, fundamentally transforming Athenian governance. By creating the Council of Five Hundred, he introduced a system where ordinary citizens could participate directly in legislative processes. This marked a shift away from aristocratic control and laid essential groundwork for future democratic practices, fostering an environment where civic engagement was valued.
• Evaluate how the principles embodied in the Council of Five Hundred reflect broader themes of democracy and citizen engagement in contemporary society.
  • The principles embodied in the Council of Five Hundred highlight key themes of democracy and citizen engagement that are still relevant today. The use of random selection for council membership demonstrates an effort to minimize elitism and promote equality among citizens, mirroring modern democratic practices like jury selection. Additionally, the emphasis on active participation in governance echoes current discussions about civic responsibility and engagement, showing that while structures may have evolved, the fundamental value of inclusive representation remains vital to functioning democracies worldwide.

Related terms

Cleisthenes:

An Athenian statesman known as the 'Father of Athenian Democracy' for his reforms that laid the foundation for the democratic system in Athens.

Democracy: A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives.

Assembly (Ekklesia): The principal assembly of the democracy of ancient Athens, where citizens gathered to discuss and vote on important issues and legislation.