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key term - Athenian Democracy

Citation:

Definition

Athenian democracy was a system of direct democracy developed in ancient Athens, where citizens participated in decision-making and governance. This unique political system allowed for a greater degree of citizen involvement than most other forms of governance at the time, emphasizing equality and participation among free male citizens in the political process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Athenian democracy emerged around the 5th century BCE and is often considered one of the first forms of democracy in history.
  2. Only about 10-20% of the population in Athens had the right to participate in this democratic process, as women, slaves, and non-citizens were excluded.
  3. The Assembly (Ekklesia) was the central institution of Athenian democracy, where citizens would gather to debate and vote on important issues.
  4. Athenian democracy utilized a system of sortition, or random selection, to choose many public officials, reducing the influence of wealth and status in politics.
  5. Despite its innovations, Athenian democracy faced criticism for its exclusionary practices and reliance on slavery for economic stability.

Review Questions

  • How did Athenian democracy differ from other political systems of its time in terms of citizen participation?
    • Athenian democracy was unique because it allowed direct participation of citizens in political decision-making, unlike representative systems that became common later. In Athens, free male citizens could actively engage in debates and vote on legislation during assemblies. This direct involvement fostered a sense of responsibility among citizens for their government and emphasized equality among those eligible to participate.
  • What role did the Assembly play in Athenian democracy, and how did it influence governance?
    • The Assembly, or Ekklesia, was crucial to Athenian democracy as it served as the primary decision-making body. Citizens would gather regularly to discuss laws, policies, and important matters affecting Athens. The power of the Assembly shaped governance significantly since decisions were made collectively by those present, reflecting a broad spectrum of opinions and fostering active civic engagement.
  • Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Athenian democracy as a political system. What implications did these have on its longevity?
    • Athenian democracy had strengths such as encouraging civic participation and empowering citizens through direct decision-making. However, its weaknesses included exclusionary practices that limited participation to a small segment of society and reliance on slavery for economic support. These factors contributed to tensions within society and ultimately made Athenian democracy vulnerable to internal strife and external pressures, leading to its decline as political ideals evolved over time.