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Democracy
Demos = “the people”
Kratein = “to rule”
Democracy = “Rule by the people”: the idea that
ordinary people want to rule themselves and are capable
of doing so.
Democracy and the Democratic Ideal
We trace the emergence of the concept to Pericles’ and
Socrates’ celebration of the Athenian ideal of
democracy, even though Athens’ citizen-rulers were
only constituted by 1/10 of the population.
Democracy and the Democratic Ideal
Democracy is an IDEAL of political participation and
involvement in the making of laws.
EVEN THOUGH the concept EMERGED in the ancient
political world, Aristotle and Plato were skeptical of
democracy. They feared mob rule, an over-emphasis on
short term benefits, and political chaos.
Nonetheless, the IDEAL of democracy was born.
Athenian Democracy
The idea of democracy in ancient Athens was associated with public
spirited citizens (polites), rather than individuals pursuing their own
private liberty (idiotes).
Public deliberation would create in citizens a habit of thinking about
the public good, rather than about their own personal gain.
Reached its high point under the rule of Pericles between 461 – 429
BC
Declined at the end of 5th Century BC
Coincided w/ emergence of political philosophy
Athenian Democracy (con’t)
Athenian democracy consisted of an assembly of all male
citizens who were all considered lawmakers. Women,
foreigners, and children of foreigners were not considered
citizens.
Athenian “democracy”
Direct Democracy, rather than Representative Democracy
Highly exclusive of the vast majority who were not citizens
Certain principles of democratic theory receive their first
airing among the minority who did participate
Direct vs. Representative Democracy
Direct Democracy
Athens in the 5th Century BC: Rule by the people exercised directly in
an open assembly
No Elected Representatives
Not compatible with republican principles
Representative Democracy
Modern democracies today: Rule by the people, exercised indirectly
through representatives selected by the people
Compatible with republican principles
Aristotle’s Six-fold Classification of
Government
In Whose Interest?
Rule By
The Public
The Ruler(s)
Monarchy
Tyranny/Totalitarianism
THE FEW
Aristocracy
Oligarchy
THE MANY
Polity (Republic)
Democracy
ONE
Source: Adapted from Ball, Terence and Richard Dagger, Political Ideologies and the Democratic Ideal,
5th ed. (New York: Pearson/Longman): 22.
Ancient Rome and the Renaissance
The “republic” of ancient Rome ( c. 500 BC – 44 BC)
drew upon Aristotle’s idea of polity. The Romans called
their mixed form of government a Republic. Like
Aristotle’s Polity, Republicanism required mixed
government, rule of law, and virtuous citizenry.
Titus Livius, the Roman historian of the Augustan Era (early
years of the Roman Empire) celebrated the virtuous
citizenry and high moral Roman national character.
Machiavelli drew upon Livy’s writings in his Discourses,
which provided the first modern doctrine of republicanism.