Democracy

Definition

Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. In ancient Greece, democracy emerged as a political innovation that allowed citizens to participate in decision-making processes, shaping the political landscape and culture of the time. The evolution of democracy was marked by various forms, from direct participation in assemblies to representative governance, influencing social structures and civic responsibilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Democracy in ancient Greece primarily developed in Athens during the 5th century BCE, marking a shift towards greater citizen involvement in governance.
2. The term 'democracy' comes from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (power or rule), highlighting the foundational principle that power should belong to the people.
3. Athenian democracy was characterized by direct participation in decision-making, where eligible citizens could attend the assembly and vote on laws and policies.
4. While democracy promoted civic engagement, it was limited to male citizens, excluding women, slaves, and non-citizens from participation in political life.
5. The influence of democracy extended beyond Athens; it set the stage for later political systems and inspired democratic movements throughout history.

Review Questions

• How did Athenian democracy differ from modern democratic systems, and what implications did this have for citizen participation?
  • Athenian democracy was characterized by direct participation where eligible citizens could vote on laws and policies in large assemblies. In contrast, modern democratic systems often employ representative democracy, where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. This difference highlights how Athenian democracy demanded active involvement from all male citizens but excluded large portions of the population, reflecting a narrower definition of citizenship compared to contemporary standards.
• Evaluate the role of citizenship in the context of Greek democracy and how it shaped political identity during that period.
  • Citizenship was fundamental to Greek democracy as it determined who could participate in the political process. Only free male citizens were granted citizenship rights, which included voting and holding public office. This exclusivity fostered a strong sense of political identity among male citizens but marginalized significant segments of society, such as women and slaves. The concept of citizenship helped to create a community engaged in governance but also reinforced social hierarchies.
• Analyze the rise of tyranny in ancient Greece and its relationship to the evolution of democratic systems.
  • The rise of tyranny in ancient Greece often emerged during times of social unrest or economic crisis when powerful individuals exploited popular discontent to seize control. Tyrants sometimes introduced reforms that expanded political participation, which paradoxically laid groundwork for future democratic developments. As tyrants implemented policies that benefited common citizens, they weakened oligarchic structures and encouraged demands for more inclusive governance, ultimately contributing to the evolution and establishment of democratic practices within city-states.

Related terms

Citizenship: The status of being a recognized member of a state or nation, granting individuals certain rights and responsibilities, including participation in political processes.

Oligarchy: A form of government where power resides with a small group of people, often distinguished by wealth, nobility, or military control, contrasting with democratic ideals.

Polis: A city-state in ancient Greece that served as an independent political entity, where citizens gathered to discuss and decide on matters of governance.