Download The Beginnings of Democracy

The Beginnings of Democracy
World Map View
Ancient
Greece
What is Democracy?
Democracy-rule by the people
Athenian Limited Democracy
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Practiced by c. 500 BCE
Everyone is equal under the law
State ruled by citizens
Rule based on citizenship
Majority decides vote
However...
Social class did still matter.
● Athenians divided into 4 social class
● Only the top 3 could hold political office
● All citizens could participate in the assembly
Pericles and the Golden Age of Athens
● Pericles ruled Athens from 461-29 BCE
● Goal: to strengthen Athenian democracy
Strengthening Democracy
● More paid public officials
● Direct democracy-citizens rule directly, not through
representatives
Three Branches of Government
● Council of 500 (Executive)
○ Citizens, 50 from each of the ten tribes, who served for one
year
● The Courts (Judicial)
● The Assembly (Legislative)
○ Made up of all citizens
○ Voted on laws