Democracy

Definition

Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. This political system emphasizes the principles of equality and freedom, allowing citizens to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives. In ancient Athens, democracy was a defining characteristic of the political landscape, impacting everything from social structure to military strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Athenian democracy allowed male citizens over the age of 18 to participate in the Assembly, which was the heart of decision-making.
2. Voting in Athenian democracy was done by show of hands or by using pebbles for secret ballots, ensuring a level of privacy.
3. Citizenship was restricted to free-born males, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners from participating in democratic processes.
4. The concept of democracy in Athens influenced later political systems, establishing principles that continue to shape modern democracies.
5. During the Peloponnesian War, democratic decision-making faced challenges as military strategies and alliances were debated among citizen-soldiers.

Review Questions

• How did Athenian democracy differ from modern democratic systems in terms of citizen participation?
  • Athenian democracy was characterized by direct participation, where male citizens gathered in assemblies to vote on legislation and policy decisions. In contrast, modern democracies typically utilize representative systems where elected officials make decisions on behalf of the populace. This distinction highlights the differences in how power and governance are structured between ancient and contemporary societies.
• Discuss the role of ostracism in Athenian democracy and its impact on political stability.
  • Ostracism served as a mechanism within Athenian democracy to protect against tyranny by allowing citizens to vote for the temporary exile of individuals perceived as threats. This practice promoted political stability by providing a way to remove potentially dangerous figures without violence. However, it also posed risks, as it could be manipulated for personal vendettas, leading to significant consequences for those targeted.
• Evaluate how the principles of Athenian democracy influenced the outcome of the Peloponnesian War and its aftermath.
  • The principles of Athenian democracy significantly impacted decision-making during the Peloponnesian War, as citizen-soldiers debated strategies and alliances that shaped military outcomes. The reliance on public assemblies meant that decisions could be swayed by popular opinion rather than strategic military insight. After the war, the strain on democratic processes led to challenges in governance and ultimately contributed to shifts toward oligarchic rule, showcasing how democratic ideals can both empower and complicate political landscapes during times of crisis.

Related terms

Direct Democracy: A form of democracy in which citizens directly participate in decision-making without intermediary representatives.

Ostracism:

A political practice in ancient Athens where citizens could vote to exile a member of society deemed a threat to the state for a period of ten years.

Assembly: The central institution of Athenian democracy where citizens gathered to discuss and make decisions on public policy and governance.