ANCIENT GREECE

The Foundations of Democracy The people of Ancient Greece were the first to develop democracy. Democracy = The rule of the people The word “democracy” comes from the Greek language: Demos = “people” Kratos = “rule” or “authority”

The Power of the Citizen Greek civilization began as many small isolated cities that governed themselves. These became known as city-states. The most powerful city-state was Athens. Each year Athenian citizens elected three nobles (rich dudes) to rule the city. The fact that citizens were able to elect leaders was a big deal because, at the time, most people were ruled by a leader who had total power.

The Reforms of Solon Many Greek farmers were falling into slavery because they could not pay their debts. A leader by the name of Solon outlawed any slavery that was based on debt. He also organized society into four classes of citizens. These classes were based on wealth, not on blood lines. Of these four classes, only the top three could hold public office. But all four classes could vote.

The Reforms of Solon Citizens only made up 10% of the Greek population. So only one out of every ten people had the right to participate in government. Among those who were not citizens were women, slaves, and foreign residents.

Solon

The Reforms of Cleisthenes 84 years after Solon came to power, a man by the name of Cleisthenes ruled Athens. He took power away from the rich nobles and gave it to all citizens. He allowed all citizens to submit laws for debate and passage. He also created a new council where members were chosen by lot. Because of these reforms, he is generally considered the founder of democracy in Athens.

CLEISTHENES

The Rule of Pericles Pericles was perhaps Ancient Greece’s greatest ruler. He ruled for 32 years, during a time known as the Golden Age of Greece Pericles reformed democracy by allowing poorer citizens to participate in government. He did this by: Increasing the number of paid public officials Paying jurors

The Rule of Pericles Under the rule of Pericles, Athens became a “direct democracy.” This is a form of government in which the citizens rule directly, not through representatives.

Pericles Funeral Oration "Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves. Our administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called a democracy. But while there exists equal justice to all and alike in their private disputes, the claim of excellence is also recognized; and when a citizen is in any way distinguished, he is preferred to the public service, not as a matter of privilege, but as the reward of merit. Nor again does poverty bar the way, if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition”

Pericles

The Greek Philosophers The Greeks were unique because they used logic and reason, rather than myth, to investigate the different aspects of life. In Ancient Greece, many great thinkers emerged. These people were known as philosophers, or “lovers of wisdom.” These philosophers had two assumptions: The universe is put together in an orderly way and is subject to natural and unchanging laws. People can understand these laws through logic and reason.

The Greek Philosophers The first great Greek philosopher was Socrates. Socrates created a way of teaching by asking questions. This way of teaching became known as the Socratic Method. This method of teaching is still widely used today Socrates’ greatest student was Plato. Plato wrote a famous book called “Republic.” In this book Plato stated that a society should not be governed by the rich and powerful, but the wise. He called these rulers “philosopher-kings.”

SOCRATES

PLATO

The Greek Philosophers Plato’s greatest student was named Aristotle. Aristotle’s most famous book was called “Politics.” Aristotle also created syllogisms, which are three logically related statements that helped prove something true. Here is an example of a syllogism All men are mortal. Socrates is a man. Socrates is mortal.

ARISTOTLE

The Legacy of Ancient Greece The Greeks came up with natural laws, which are predictable patterns that are discovered through intelligence and reason. The Greeks were the first to develop a direct democracy. The Greeks were the first to come up with the three branches of government, also known as the “separation of powers.” Legislative branch to pass laws Executive branch to carry out laws Judicial branch to settle disputes about laws

Sources Beck, Roger, et al. Modern World History: Patterns of Interaction. Evanston, IL: McDougal-Littell Inc., 2003. Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 99. © 1993-1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.