The Greek Roots of Democracy

Chapter 1Section 1

Objectives

How democracy developed in the Greek city-state of Athens

How Greek philosophers viewed reason, democracy, tyranny, and rule of law

City-States Greeks built small, independent city-

states City-state = a political unit consisting of

a city and surrounding lands Most influential city-states were Athens

and Sparta Sparta stressed stern discipline-strong

military-warriors Athens glorified the individual and

extended political rights to more citizens

Greece

Forms of Government Government started as monarchy in

many city-states Monarchy = government in which a

king/queen exercises authority Monarchies turned into into aristocracies Aristocracy = government run by a

small, often wealthy class of people

Spartan Government

Two kings Council of elders who advised the

monarchs

Athens

Idea of democracy first took root in Athens

Democracy is government by the people

THE BIG QUESTION: WHAT CAUSED DEMOCRACY TO FIRST TAKE ROOT IN ATHENS??

Forms of Government Athenian aristocrats amassed wealth and power Ordinary people like soldiers and merchants

resented the power of the aristocracy Unhappiness fueled the rise of tyrants (rulers

who gained power by force) Tyrants won support from the 1) poor and 2)

merchants Tyrants passed reforms (changes) that helped

poor, ordinary people

Cleisthenes Athenian politician and tyrant He expanded the role of ordinary citizens in

government and set up a genuine legislature Legislature = place where laws are made In a sense, tyrants helped move Athens toward

a full democracy

Cleisthenes

Pericles Athenian politician Believed all male citizens should

participate in government, regardless of social class

Male citizens over 30 served on a jury for one year

Pericles In a speech, Pericles praised the

Athenian form of government, stating that power was in the hands of “not a minority but of the whole people”

(the whole people share power, not just a minority of aristocrats)

Pericles

Greek Philosophers Contribute to the Rise of

Democracy

What is a philosopher?

Philosopher

Person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment

Socrates Long time defender of democracy Went around town asking Athenian

citizens annoying questions Socrates argued that the individual has

the responsibility of following the laws of the state

Put on trial for corruption Found guilty—death penalty—drank

poison hemlock (poisonous plant)

Socrates

Plato Student of Socrates Plato disagreed with Socrates and

rejected democracy The state should regulate every aspect

of its citizens’ lives to provide for their best interests (because government knows what is YOUR best interest, NOT you, right?)

Plato

ANTI-DEMOCRATIC!!!

Aristotle Student of Plato Favored a constitutional government

(government whose powers are expressed and limited by a constitution)

Favored the rule of law – rules by which we are governed are 1) known in advance and 2) created through the democratic process

Rules should not be made up after the fact by arbitrary decisions or decrees (orders)

Aristotle Rulers (e.g., kings, queens) must be

subject to law All members of society—average citizens

and government officials (senators, judges, the president) are required to obey the law

“No one is above the law” This democratic principle lies at the heart

of all modern constitutional governments

Aristotle

Summary of Greek Philosophers

Socrates – Favored democracy Plato – Rejected democracy Aristotle – Favored constitutional

government and the rule of law

Powerpoint Questions (11 points)

1. Identify the two principle Greek city-states 2. Define city-state. 3. Which city-state seemed to value more

individual rights? 4. What is the type of government in which a

king/queen exercises authority? 5. Define “democracy”. 6. Define “tyrants” 7. What did Pericles believe about

democracy?

Powerpoint Questions 8. According to Socrates, what was the

responsibility of each individual? 9. What did Plato believe the state should

regulate? 10. What is the democratic principle that lies

at the heart of all modern constitutional governments? Which philosopher argued this position? (2 points)

The End