Ancient Greeks Democracy in Athens Chapter 10 Section 3 Page 312

I. Before Democracy A. Isagoras and the Spartans feared new political trends. B. They were trying to maintain an oligarchy (government controlled by a small group of aristocrats). C. Draco 1. An aristocratic lawgiver 2. Created a legal code that specified harsh punishments for serious and minor crimes. 3. Origin of Draconian– a word used today to describe laws that are unnecessary, harsh, or severe.

II. Phalanx Causes Shift of Power A. Power to the hands of the people may have been caused by organization of the Greek armies. 1.Old way depended on who won a fight between aristocratic warriors. 2. Aristocrats were most important soldiers.

B. Phalanx introduced in 700 BC 1. Formation of heavily armed foot soldiers who moved as one unit 2. Soldiers formed row of overlapping shields. 3. Each man protected his neighbor. 4. Sword/spear in right hand, shield in left 5. This formation could overcome almost any other force.

C. Cultural & Economical Changes 1.Fighters no longer had to be rich enough to buy and maintain a horse. 2.More men could afford the armor and weapons. 3.Historians believe this gave power to the common person b/c gov. leaders needed military support (page 313).

D. Tyranny 1. At first … a. “Tyrant” was a strong leader who stood up for ordinary people. b. Won support by promising land and other benefits to the poor. c. They set up tyrannies (gov. run by strong ruler).

2. Bad Reputation a. “Tyrant” has come to mean a horrible and severe leader. b. They did not allow others to have any power. c. Could not fulfill promises d. Many tyrants ruled harshly. e. Not all Ancient Greek tyrants were bad.

III. Democracy A. “Rule by the many” (As opposed to an oligarchy- rule by a few) B. Large number of men participated in civic affairs. C. Solon 1. Aristocrats chose him to lead polis in 594 BC 2. Reformed the courts & set Athens on path to Democracy 3. Ended practice of poor people into slavery 4. Gave some non-aristocratic men the right to vote for officials.

IV. Later Reforms to Government A. Cleisthenes BC 2. Made several reforms that reduced the power of the rich 3. Brought in new voters from the lower classes 4. Increased the power of the Assembly a. Made up of all male citizens b. Met to discuss political issues and make decisions

B. Creation of Citizen Juries 1.A major reform that took place in 461 BC 2.This is a group of people who hear evidence and decide a court case. 3.Put legal decisions in the hands of the people

C. Age of Pericles 1. A man who created more reforms in 450 BC’s 2. Paid citizens for participating in jury duties and other civil services 3. He helped make it possible for poorer people to be able to afford to participate in the gov.

D. Citizenship (A new concept) 1. Membership in a community 2. Gives a person both rights and responsibilities 3. This was different than the rest of the world 1. People lived as subjects of a ruler 2. Expected to obey without question

V. Education for Democracy A. Helped promote the growth of democracy in Athens. B. Designed to produce well rounded citizens who could take part in public life. C. School started at age 7 D. Studies 1. Literature 2. Physical education 3. Music C. Girls 1. Most could read and write 2. But most educations was reserved for boys

VI. Athenian Democracy at Work A. Democracy produced a “Golden Age” in Athens B. Citizens ran all parts of government C. Organization of Democracy 1. Assembly a. All free adult males were allowed to attend b. Met 40 times a year c. Everyone (rich or poor) who attended had the right to speak

2. Boule a. A 500 person council b. Was the second key component of democracy in Athens c. Helped decide issue for the Assemblies d. Members were chosen by a lot, or at random e. Every male citizen had a chance to serve on the Boule

VI. A Limited Democracy A. Athens was not completely a democracy. 1. Women could not vote or hold office 2. Foreigners could not vote 3. Slaves had not rights at all B. Compared to rest of ancient world, Athens included more people’s voices in government

VII. Direct Democracy A.A political system in which citizens participate directly in decision making. B. This worked well in Athens 1. b/c population was small 2. b/c people were committed to making it work

VIII. Representative Democracy A.Works better for large, spread out populations B.Citizens elect others to represent them in government. C. Both Direct and Representative Democracy share the Athenian ideal of rule by the people (even in our modern times)