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 a unique form that emphasized civic participation and public debate, making it foundational to the development of political thought and practice in the Western world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The word 'democracy' comes from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (power or rule), literally meaning 'rule by the people'.
2. In Athens, democracy was established in the 5th century BCE and allowed all free male citizens to participate directly in decision-making through assemblies.
3. Key features of Athenian democracy included random selection for public office through lotteries and the practice of ostracism to prevent any single individual from gaining too much power.
4. Women's rights were limited under Athenian democracy; women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from political participation.
5. The development of democracy in ancient Greece set the stage for future political systems and influenced the idea of citizenship and governance throughout history.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of democracy evolve in ancient Greece and what were its defining features?
  • Democracy in ancient Greece evolved primarily in Athens during the 5th century BCE, characterized by direct participation of free male citizens in political decisions. Key features included assemblies where citizens could speak freely, random selection for public offices through lotteries to ensure representation, and ostracism to safeguard against tyranny. This system laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles by emphasizing civic engagement and collective decision-making.
• Compare and contrast democracy with oligarchy as forms of government in ancient Greece.
  • Democracy and oligarchy represent two distinct approaches to governance in ancient Greece. Democracy allowed broad participation among citizens, enabling them to have a say in political matters, while oligarchy concentrated power in the hands of a select few, often based on wealth or social status. While democracy sought to empower the populace and encourage public discourse, oligarchy focused on stability through elite control, often sidelining the majority's voices.
• Evaluate the impact of Athenian democracy on modern democratic systems and its limitations regarding inclusivity.
  • Athenian democracy significantly impacted modern democratic systems by introducing concepts like citizen participation, public debate, and accountability through elected representatives. However, its limitations are crucial to note; Athenian democracy excluded women, slaves, and non-citizens from participation, creating a narrow definition of who qualified as a citizen. This has led modern democracies to continually grapple with issues of inclusivity and representation as they strive to embody true democratic ideals that encompass all members of society.

Related terms

Oligarchy:

A form of government in which power is held by a small group of individuals, often distinguished by wealth, family ties, corporate interests, or military control.

Citizenship:

The status of being a recognized member of a state or nation, with associated rights and responsibilities, particularly regarding participation in governance.

Agora:

A central public space in ancient Greek city-states where citizens gathered for various activities including political discussions, marketplaces, and social gatherings.