The Legacy of Ancient GreeceHow did Ancient Athens

influence Western Democracy?

Greek City-States

• Around 2000 BC, the Greeks established cities along the coastline

• Each city was like its own country (City-States)

• Most Greek City-States had one of the following types of gov.

1. Monarchy

• Ruled by a king (absolute rule)

• Hereditary (born into/family)

• Power to rule comes from God – Divine Right

2. Aristocracy• Ruled by rich, important families (nobles)• Hereditary• Power comes from wealth/status

History of Democracy – Solon the Reformer

• Athens, most powerful city-state was an Aristocracy• Landowners force farmers into slavery to pay debt

1. Solon writes a law outlawing slavery based on debt

3. Oligarchy/Tyranny• Rule based on wealth, ability, or control of military

• If one powerful person gains control becomes tyranny

• Not hereditary

2. Solon establishes citizenship based on four “classes” (wealth)

• Top three classes can hold public office, fourth class can only vote

• Only free adult males born in Athens were “citizens”

1/10 of Athenstotal population •Athens uses branches of Govt.

•Council of 500 = Executive Branch

•Jury system = Judicial Branch

•Cleisthenes allows 4th class to hold public office, leaders chosen by lottery (Council of 500)

•Pericles Pays people in govt, more Athenians can participate in government

•Athens becomes a direct democracy as citizens rule & make laws directly

•Assembly of citizens = Legislative Br

Trial by Jury – Athens StyleA. How big were juries in Athens?

B. How was a jury selected?

C. What was the difference between a hollow and solid disk?

D. Answer Question #1 on page 9

E. Answer Question #2 on page 9