Athens

How was Athens ruled?

At first Athens had a King, but later the nobles, merchants and manufacturers took over the government.

They set up an Oligarchy. What is an Oligarchy?

– Oligarchy a form of government in which a few people rule.

Athens

The first attempt to change the government was made by Draco, a noble.

1. Why did Draco fail?

2. His punishments were too harsh.

Athens

In 594, Solon was chosen to try to reform the government.

1. Solon set up a constitution, or a set of principles and rules for governing.

2. Set a limit to how much land a person could own.

3. Gave land owners the right to vote in an assembly.

4. Gave the assembly the right to pass laws.

5. He erased all debts.6. And freed anyone who was enslaved

because of debt.

Athens

Solon also ordered that each father teach his son a trade.

Write Pair Share: How could teaching each

son a trade help end the cycle of poverty?

Athens

Solon’s Decline Why did Solon lose most of his

originally popularity.

1. The wealthy felt he was doing too much.

2. The poor felt he wasn’t doing enough.

Athens

In 560, the government was taken over by Peisistratus.

1. He was supported by the lower classes.

2. Stated a person no longer had to own land to become a citizen.

3. How does that help the lower class?

A Democratic Constitution

In 508, the Spartans themselves were overthrown by a noble named Cleisthenes.

1. He set up the worlds first democratic constitution, or favoring the equality of the people.

2. He opened the Assembly to all males over 20 years old.

A Democratic Constitution

The Council Of Five Hundred

What did the Council of Five Hundred do? Handle the daily business of Athens

How long could each person serve?No more than two years

What did that allow?Every citizen had the chance the serve in the council.

When an Athenian boy turned 18 he could become a citizen.

Meaning…

– They could vote.– They could own property.– They could speak for themselves in

court.– They could hold public office.