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, particularly in the city-state of Athens, democracy took shape as citizens participated in decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement and equality before the law. This political structure laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems by promoting the idea that governance should be accountable to the governed.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy, where male citizens could participate in the assembly and vote on laws.
2. In ancient Athens, democracy was limited to free men; women, slaves, and non-citizens were excluded from the political process.
3. The practice of ostracism allowed Athenians to vote to exile a citizen deemed a threat to the state for ten years.
4. Democratic principles in Athens influenced political thought and governance structures in later civilizations, shaping modern democratic ideals.
5. The term 'democracy' itself comes from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (power or rule), signifying rule by the people.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of democracy evolve in ancient Greece, particularly in Athens?
  • In ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, democracy evolved as a response to earlier forms of governance like tyranny and oligarchy. Citizens participated directly in decision-making through assemblies where they could debate and vote on laws. This direct engagement highlighted the importance of civic involvement and set a precedent for future democratic systems that incorporated representative elements while emphasizing equality among participants.
• Evaluate the limitations of Athenian democracy and how they reflect broader societal norms of the time.
  • Athenian democracy was groundbreaking but had significant limitations, primarily concerning who was considered a citizen. Only free male Athenians could participate, while women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded. This exclusion reflects the broader societal norms of ancient Greece, where citizenship was tied to social status and gender roles. These limitations demonstrate that even early forms of democracy were not fully inclusive and often reinforced existing inequalities.
• Assess the long-term impact of ancient Greek democracy on modern political systems worldwide.
  • The long-term impact of ancient Greek democracy is profound, as it laid foundational principles for modern political systems worldwide. The ideas of civic participation, accountability in governance, and equal representation have been integrated into contemporary democracies. Various forms of government today draw inspiration from Athenian practices, despite significant advancements that address its historical exclusions. The legacy of ancient democracy continues to influence movements advocating for rights and equality across different cultures and nations.

Related terms

Direct Democracy: A form of democracy where citizens directly participate in decision-making and law-making rather than through elected representatives.

Citizenship: The status of being a recognized member of a state or nation, which confers rights and responsibilities, including participation in democratic processes.

Oligarchy:

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