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Athenian Democracy
Background
Bust of Cleisthenes
created in 2002-2004 by
Anna Christoforidis
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Background:
A. In the 6th century BCE, Athens was the site of ongoing fighting between the rich
Athenians, who controlled the government, and poor Athenians, who were farmers and
merchants.
B. In 508 BCE, a wealthy Athenian named Cleisthenes rose to power in the city-state. The
following year, he introduced a system known as democracy
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Definition of Democracy:
A. A democracy is a form of government where political power comes from citizens.
B. The word comes from the Greek demokratia:
1. Demo means “the people”
2. kratia means “power” or “rule”
C. Athenian democracy was a direct democracy:
1. This means that citizens were allowed to vote directly on laws and government
actions
2. This is different from a representative democracy, in which citizens elect officials to
vote on laws'
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democracy
demokratia
demo:
the people
kratia:
power or rule
rule by the people
Athenian Democracy
The
The
The
Ekklesia
Boule
Dikasteria
(Assembly)
(Council of 500)
(The Courts)
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Athenian Democracy
B. The Ekklesia was Athens’s main governing body and made the most important
decisions, including voting on laws, deciding whether to go to war, and determining
foreign policy. Any Athenian citizen could attend and vote in the Ekklesia, which met 40
times per year. Decisions required a simple majority to pass.
C. The Boule was a council made up of 500 men (50 from each of the 10 Athenian
tribes). These men were chosen by lottery and served one year terms. The Boule made
decisions about day-to-day government and decided what issues should go in front of
the Ekklesia.
D. The Dikasteria, or court, was made up of 500 men over 30 years old, who were
chosen by lottery. They decided legal cases by majority rule. There were no official
police or lawyers. Athenian citizens served in these roles instead
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Central Historical Question
Was ancient Athens truly
democratic?
Structured Academic Controversy:
Athenian Democracy
During today’s class, you will work in teams to discuss whether or not ancient Athens
was truly democratic. Your goals for today should include looking at all the issues,
seeing both sides, and finding common ground.
SAC QUESTION: Was ancient Athens truly democratic?
Team A will argue: YES, ancient Athens was truly democratic.
Team B will argue: NO, ancient Athens was NOT truly democratic.
PROCEDURE:
30 minutes With your teammate, read the documents in the Athenian Democracy document set. Find four pieces
of evidence that support your side
10 minutes Team A presents. BOTH PARTNERS MUST PRESENT! Team B writes down Team A’s arguments and then
repeats them back to Team A.
10 minutes Team B presents. BOTH PARTNERS MUST PRESENT! Team A down arguments of Team B and then
repeats them back to Team B.
10 minutes Everyone CAN ABANDON their positions. Groups of 4 attempt to develop a consensus.