Athenian Democracy- From Start to Finish
The first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Athens is democracy. While it is true that the Athenians did invent democracy, it only existed for short periods of time, the longest being 100 years, and was very different from democracy as we know it today. Athens originally had a monarchy system, but these kings were replaced by archons. Archons were rulers, at first serving alone but later in groups, who were elected to rule Athens for one year. Later these archons were chosen by lottery and later still, replaced by the Democracy system Athens is known for today.
Athenian democracy was separated into 3 parts: The Assembly, The Council, and The Courts. Each part was elected differently and had a different function.
The Assembly: The Assembly was made of all citizens who voted, so basically men who had completed the required military training. New laws and important decisions, such as whether or not to go to war, were decided by the Assembly.
The Council: Otherwise known as The Council of the 500, the Council did the day-to-day running of the government. Council seats were given out for one year and determined by a lottery of all citizens.
The Courts: The Court system of Athens dealt with lawsuits and trails, very much so like our Courts today. Juries of 201 people for private lawsuits and 501 people for public lawsuits made decisions in cases.
Athens was the first city-state to have a true and efficient form of democracy. It was very direct; everyone had a vote, majority ruled, end of story. Every citizen was a part of the government, no matter what their social standing. Even most high government officials were decided by lottery. A few positions were voted on by the assembly, such as the treasurer and the 10 generals who ran the army
This democracy system did not always work. During times of war the 10 generals and the Head of State held almost all power and didn't always let go of that power easily once the fighting was over. Rebellions also caused a shift in government, as aristocratic families fought for control of the city-state. On occasion, these rebellions succeeded and a monarchy system was put into place, with a ruler called a tyrant. These monarchies did not always last and Athens would turn into an oligarchy or revert to a democracy.
Athenian democracy was separated into 3 parts: The Assembly, The Council, and The Courts. Each part was elected differently and had a different function.
The Assembly: The Assembly was made of all citizens who voted, so basically men who had completed the required military training. New laws and important decisions, such as whether or not to go to war, were decided by the Assembly.
The Council: Otherwise known as The Council of the 500, the Council did the day-to-day running of the government. Council seats were given out for one year and determined by a lottery of all citizens.
The Courts: The Court system of Athens dealt with lawsuits and trails, very much so like our Courts today. Juries of 201 people for private lawsuits and 501 people for public lawsuits made decisions in cases.
Athens was the first city-state to have a true and efficient form of democracy. It was very direct; everyone had a vote, majority ruled, end of story. Every citizen was a part of the government, no matter what their social standing. Even most high government officials were decided by lottery. A few positions were voted on by the assembly, such as the treasurer and the 10 generals who ran the army
This democracy system did not always work. During times of war the 10 generals and the Head of State held almost all power and didn't always let go of that power easily once the fighting was over. Rebellions also caused a shift in government, as aristocratic families fought for control of the city-state. On occasion, these rebellions succeeded and a monarchy system was put into place, with a ruler called a tyrant. These monarchies did not always last and Athens would turn into an oligarchy or revert to a democracy.