CHAPTER 10.3 By the end of this lesson, we will be able to identify the 4 forms of government used in ancient Greece, and explain how each form impacted Greek society.

From B.C.E., Greece was ruled by a monarch, or king. Monarchy= Ruling power is in the hands of a single king. No women were allowed to rule.

In the beginning Kings were chosen by the people. When a king died, the rich would choose a new king to rule. Eventually, kings demanded that their family kept power. They wanted their oldest sons to inherit the throne after their death.

Kings of ancient Greece were all powerful. They acted as lawmakers, judges, priests, generals, and political leaders. Kings had councils of people who advised them in some decision making.

These council advisors were known as aristocrats, which means “the best” in Greek. At first they had no real power, but eventually realized they were more powerful than the king. They overthrew their kings, and assumed power.

Who Rules? How many rulers? Advantages? Disadvantages?

Aristocrats were now in power in Greece. They were known as oligarchs, a Greek word meaning “few.” Oligarchy= Power is in the hands of a few people.

Oligarchs were rich males that controlled the government. Their lives were very easy. During the day, they would hunt or enjoy sporting events. At night, they would throw lavish parties with entertainment provided by the aristocrats. NO POOR PEOPLE ALLOWED!!!

While the oligarchs were partying, poor people were working hard. They became upset that their lives were so much different than the rich. The oligarchs made a BIG mistake: they forgot the needs of the people. They forced the poor to follow strict laws while they increased their wealth. The poor turned to charismatic, captivating leaders and soldiers to overthrow the oligarchs from power.

Who rules? How many rulers? Advantages? Disadvantages?

After the overthrow of the oligarchs, tyrants seized control. Tyranny= government that is run by a strong ruler who is not the lawful king.

Tyranny is different from a monarchy in two ways… 1. Tyrant cannot claim that he is the lawful ruler 2. A tyrant’s son does not inherit the throne after he dies.

Although they gained control by force, many tyrants were accepted by the people. Some tyrants governed fairly, and worked to improve the life of their people. Many tyrants were popular among the poor in Greece.

Many tyrants helped the poor, as they promised. They cancelled debts of poor farmers and made examples of aristocrats by snatching land and rights from them.

Eventually, tyrants began to make the same mistakes of the oligarchs- They forgot about the people. They became dictators, or those who are unconstrained by the law. They would eventually be overthrown by the people, like past governments.

Who rules? How many rulers? Advantages? Disadvantages?

Around 500 B.C.E., the people of the city-state Athens decided to try governing themselves. They developed a Democracy which is “rule of the people.” All citizens share in the ruling power. This is probably the most important idea that the Greeks passed along to the world.

Unfortunately, this system was still not fair to all. Only citizens could vote, and citizens were always male, and mostly landowners. Many didn’t have a voice. Democracy gave more people a voice in government than the other systems of governance.

Democracy in ancient Greece was a direct democracy- people voted directly on issues. U.S. has a representative democracy- we elect leaders who make decisions for us.

Democracy in Athens worked very well. An assembly, or group of citizens, would meet and discuss issues. Any free man could speak at the assembly. Problems did occur, such as persuasion and quick reversals of decisions.

Who rules? How many rulers? Advantages? Disadvantages?

Pnyx- Birthplace of Democracy (Athens)

Pnyx

Water Clock