Download Greek (Athens) Democracy Speech

Greek (Athens) Democracy Speech
6th GRADE STUDENT SAMPLE
Mr. Streit’s NOTE: Please note that the questions this student responded to may be very
different then the student generated questions your class came up with. This should only serve
as a sample. Do not plagiarize this former student’s hard work in any form.
Here in Athens, democracy has been established--a form of government that enables
equality and power to be shared among people, and one of Athens’ most laudable ideas in
history, standing preeminent above all other forms of government. However, though the concept
of democracy seems ethical and immaculate, adjustments must be made to ensure equality
among the citizens of Athens to the fullest degree, such as granting the right to vote and
participate in the Olympics to both men and women, and that literature and arts should be
valued for all people of Athens.
Although the Athenian democracy does, indeed, emphasize justice among people, one
might find the Athenian democracy rather arbitrary; perhaps Athens should consider a
representative democracy instead of selecting leaders by sortition so that only the most worthy
of taking the role of a leader is made so. An example of a commendable former Athenian leader
is Pericles, who proved devoted to maintaining equality among the people of Athens.
Like Pericles, an archon should usually make reasonable choices, ensure equality, and
be open to ideas presented by others. Unfortunately, these qualities have not been present all
the time here in Athens; Democracy did not keep the government from showing inequity
throughout our very illustrious history--for example--the reputation of Athens was flawed by the
trial and death of Socrates. This was an unjust decision that Athens should never allow to
happen again, for it was unwise and cruel, and is one of Athens worst faulties, sentencing a
wise and innocent citizen to death.
To be sure that Athens will not become divided completely into the elite and the
devastatingly poor, the wealthiest will be asked to donate money to those who are in need of
financial support.
In order to maintain peace among the people of Athens and prevent war from rivaling
city-states (poli), such as Sparta or Macedonia, precautions must be taken: By all means Athens
will continue participating in literature and arts, but at the same time take greater effort to
strengthen military, perhaps enough to match the overwhelming physical power of Sparta, and
recruit new military members, if necessary. To be certain that foreigners will not turn against
Athens, foreigners should not be a part of Athenian military, nor should slaves, to make sure
that slaves do not gain any militaristic power in case slave uprisings should occur, and,
therefore, democracy cannot always ensure equality without inviting risk. Furthermore,
sanitation must improve on account of the numerous deaths and widespread of plague that took
place in the Peloponnesian war, in the event that a war involving military greater than Athens’
occurs and Athens is in need of refuge--certainly not behind a disease-ridden wall which lead to
such disastrous results in the war against Sparta. We should build cleaner refuges in case a
similar event should occur. However, though we were defeated, there were ultimately no
winners in the Peloponnesian War since the city-states involved had all lost such a significant
amount that one might find hard to consider even one of the poli victorious.
I believe that ostracism is unnecessary, if not outrageous. Unless a citizen so severely
threatens the solidity of Athens, the citizen should not be forced to live in exile--Just one
individual excluded from Athens means a more limited possibility, set of ideas, and less
diversity, however small a difference he or she makes. I would certainly not use ostracism
unless a great number of citizens decide upon it.
I will be open to ideas and make sure that the majority of citizens agree with a decision
before it is made. Whether a candidate will take advantage of their power or not, one cannot
know for sure, but I can guarantee that tyranny certainly does not promise prosperity to a city-
state, knowing of the results of demagoguery in the Peloponnesian War, and for that reason, I
choose egalitarianism over totalitarianism.
Athens has managed food supply relatively well, but because of inconvenient conditions,
we may have to obtain food from trade.
Perhaps some consideration should be given to the idea of expanding Athens as an
empire through trade as to acquire new ideas and culture without a great deal of force, and the
conquered would share the same rights as those in Athens. If expanding an empire is
unachievable, however, it would wise to simply remain a member of the Delian league, in case
war comes about. Although being allied with other city-states/poli could force Athens into
dispute with other city-states if other members of the Delian league are involved in war, we
Athenians will be in less danger of perishing if war is to come upon ourselves. It will also
redeem Athens of our foolish mistake of sentencing Socrates to death to a certain degree,
aiding neighboring city-states/poli in troublesome situations.
Power is the capability and influence an individual possesses. Power can sometimes be
a result of an individual’s wealth, superciliousness in character, or persuasiveness, and should
be handled carefully. I understand that power is a great responsibility and I hereby declare no
means of dictatorship.