Roots of Democracy

The Greco-Roman and Judeo-Christian Influence on Democracy

Athens becomes the 1st Democracy• Athens is the world’s first

direct democracy.• In a direct democracy, all

citizens meet in one place to make the laws for the state. (town meeting)

• The Athenian Government had many strengths, but it also had serious weaknesses. Athenian law denied citizenship to women, slaves and foreign residents.

The Death of Athens• Athens political problems

made it weak.• Socrates became a scapegoat

for Athens problems.• When Sparta defeated Athens,

it lead to a lack of confidence in democracy.

• When Socrates was executed, his student Plato was convinced that most people lacked the wisdom needed to have a democratic government.

Plato’s “Republic”

• Plato wrote a book called “The Republic”• In this book he describes his ideal state

which consists of the following:Philosopher Kings

Skilled Administrators

The People

Aristotle’s “Politics”

• Plato’s student Aristotle became the next great Greek philosopher.

• He wrote a book called “Politics.”• In it he stated the following:

– The main goal of every individual is to achieve happiness.

– Since man is the only animal that can think, his life should be governed by reason

– Man is by nature a political animal.

Greece Quick Review

• How did the Greeks influence the development of democracy?– Government favors the many rather then the

few.– Direct Democracy– Concept of citizenship (Although limited)– Socrates taught to question– Plato: leaders should be intelligent– Aristotle: People should be happy

Rome Develops a New Democracy

• Romans were actively involved in their government.

• They formed a Republic in which all government officials were elected by the people.

• They also created a written legal code.

Roman Law• Roman laws included the following:

– All citizens had the right to protection under the law.

– Laws could be changed by vote • Rome also structured their government into 3

branches.– Legislative, Executive, Judicial

• Romans felt that in times of crisis they should appoint a “temporary dictator” to solve the crisis.

Rome Quick Review

• How did the Romans contribute to the development of democracy?– Representative Democracy

• Republic: All government officials elected– Separation of Powers (3 Branches)

• Legislative, Executive, Judicial– Senate is an example

– Roman Written Legal Code

Before Judaism, what were the characteristics of most religions?

• Polytheistic (Many gods)

• People thought gods wanted sacrifices and rituals in their honor.

What did Hebrews (Judaism) believe?

• One all powerful God– Monotheistic

• People were created in God’s image– All people have dignity and divine spark

• God wanted people to live moral lives– All can decide between good and evil.

• How did this contribute to the development of democracy?– It emphasized the worth of the individual

Did the Hebrews have Laws?

• Ten Commandments

• What was their focus?– Morality and ethics– Strict and all had to

obey…– …but God was

merciful.

What did the prophets teach?

• Everyone should:– Oppose injustice and oppression– Help those less fortunate– Life could be better on earth– An end to poverty– People are capable of good– Equality

Judeo-Christian Quick Review

• How did the Judeo-Christian tradition contribute to the development of democracy?– All humans are special– Individual Responsibility– Everyone must obey the law– Fight against injustice