the greek roots of democracy
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The Greek Roots of Democracy. Chapter 1 Section 1. Objectives. How democracy developed in the Greek city-state of Athens How Greek philosophers viewed reason, democracy, tyranny, and rule of law. City-States. Greeks built small, independent city-states - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Greek Roots of Democracy
Chapter 1Section 1
Objectives
How democracy developed in the Greek city-state of Athens
How Greek philosophers viewed reason, democracy, tyranny, and rule of law
City-States Greeks built small, independent city-
states City-state = a political unit consisting of
a city and surrounding lands Most influential city-states were Athens
and Sparta Sparta stressed stern discipline-strong
military-warriors Athens glorified the individual and
extended political rights to more citizens
Greece
Forms of Government Government started as monarchy in
many city-states Monarchy = government in which a
king/queen exercises authority Monarchies turned into into aristocracies Aristocracy = government run by a
small, often wealthy class of people
Spartan Government
Two kings Council of elders who advised the
monarchs
Athens
Idea of democracy first took root in Athens
Democracy is government by the people
THE BIG QUESTION: WHAT CAUSED DEMOCRACY TO FIRST TAKE ROOT IN ATHENS??
Forms of Government Athenian aristocrats amassed wealth and power Ordinary people like soldiers and merchants
resented the power of the aristocracy Unhappiness fueled the rise of tyrants (rulers
who gained power by force) Tyrants won support from the 1) poor and 2)
merchants Tyrants passed reforms (changes) that helped
poor, ordinary people
Cleisthenes Athenian politician and tyrant He expanded the role of ordinary citizens in
government and set up a genuine legislature Legislature = place where laws are made In a sense, tyrants helped move Athens toward
a full democracy
Cleisthenes
Pericles Athenian politician Believed all male citizens should
participate in government, regardless of social class
Male citizens over 30 served on a jury for one year
Pericles In a speech, Pericles praised the
Athenian form of government, stating that power was in the hands of “not a minority but of the whole people”
(the whole people share power, not just a minority of aristocrats)
Pericles
Greek Philosophers Contribute to the Rise of
Democracy
What is a philosopher?
Philosopher
Person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment
Socrates Long time defender of democracy Went around town asking Athenian
citizens annoying questions Socrates argued that the individual has
the responsibility of following the laws of the state
Put on trial for corruption Found guilty—death penalty—drank
poison hemlock (poisonous plant)
Socrates
Plato Student of Socrates Plato disagreed with Socrates and
rejected democracy The state should regulate every aspect
of its citizens’ lives to provide for their best interests (because government knows what is YOUR best interest, NOT you, right?)
Plato
ANTI-DEMOCRATIC!!!
Aristotle Student of Plato Favored a constitutional government
(government whose powers are expressed and limited by a constitution)
Favored the rule of law – rules by which we are governed are 1) known in advance and 2) created through the democratic process
Rules should not be made up after the fact by arbitrary decisions or decrees (orders)
Aristotle Rulers (e.g., kings, queens) must be
subject to law All members of society—average citizens
and government officials (senators, judges, the president) are required to obey the law
“No one is above the law” This democratic principle lies at the heart
of all modern constitutional governments
Aristotle
Summary of Greek Philosophers
Socrates – Favored democracy Plato – Rejected democracy Aristotle – Favored constitutional
government and the rule of law
Powerpoint Questions (11 points)
1. Identify the two principle Greek city-states 2. Define city-state. 3. Which city-state seemed to value more
individual rights? 4. What is the type of government in which a
king/queen exercises authority? 5. Define “democracy”. 6. Define “tyrants” 7. What did Pericles believe about
democracy?
Powerpoint Questions 8. According to Socrates, what was the
responsibility of each individual? 9. What did Plato believe the state should
regulate? 10. What is the democratic principle that lies
at the heart of all modern constitutional governments? Which philosopher argued this position? (2 points)
The End