Government in Athens

Social Studies for 9th E.G.B. | Teacher: Mauricio Torres

Democracy

Type of government in which people rule themselves. The word comes from: “the rule of

the people”.

Rule by the “Few”

Even Athens, the city where democracy was born, began with a different type of government. First, kings ruled. Later, a group of rich landowners,

aristocrats, took power. A government in which a few

people have power is called an oligarchy.

These people ran business, served as generals, judges and dominated Athenian society.

First signs of dissent

In the 600s BC, a group of rebels sought to overthrow the aristocrats. They failed!

However, a man named Draco created a set of very harsh laws for Athens. Even the simplest of crimes could be punishable by death. That’s is why today, when we have very

strict or harsh laws, we call the “Draconian Measures”.

Later on the 590s BC, a man named Solon, created another set of laws, which were less harsh. One of these first laws declared that all free

men living in Athens were to become citizens (people who had the right to participate in government).

The Rise of the Tyrants

In 546 a noble named Peisistratus overthrew the oligarchy and became the ruler of Athens. He held power through the use of

force, making him a tyrant. Today this term is used to call a

ruler who is harsh. Back in Athens, they were usually

good leaders: they had support from the people.

He brought peace and prosperity to the city.

Athens creates Democracy

After the tyrants vanished, aristocrats came back to power.

In 500 BC, one of them: Cleisthenes gained power. He was an aristocrat who thought

they had too much influence. With the support of the people he

overthrew the aristocracy, once and for all.

Under his leadership, they developed the first democracy.

Democracy 1.0

All citizens had the right to participate in assemblies, gatherings to create laws.

The assembly met outside so that everyone could attend.

Every citizen had the right to speak or give an opinion.

After the meetings were over, people voted. They raised their hands or voted

secretly.

Changes in Democracy

Pericles, a brilliant leader, encouraged people to take part in democracy and have pride in their city. He believed participating in

government was just as important as defending the city during war.

He began to pay people who served in public offices or juries.

Pericles encouraged the people to introduce democracy all around Greece.

The Bitter End

In the mid 330s BC, Macedonians conquered Athens. Phillip II was their king.

The Macedonians kept a tight grip on their subjects and would leave little space for them to maneuver. The Athenians kept a democratic

government, but with very limited powers.

They weren’t happy with this situation, but they did not want to make Philip angry.

Ask Yourselves

Describe What were Greek tyrants like? What is a tyrant? Who were the following:

Draco, Pericles, Cleisthenes and Peisistratus?

Explain: Why was Athens at one point considered an

Oligarchy? How was democracy finally installed in

Athens?

Draw Conclusions: Why did many Athenians support the rule of

tyrants? Why doesn’t Ecuador establish a direct

democracy?

Homework

Slogans for rulers:

1. Select one of the rulers/characters mentioned on this unit.

2. Create a “campaign” poster that contains a slogan for this ruler.

Use vocabulary from this unit.

3. Remember: you want to have him elected for Athens’ next elections!

4. It doesn´t matter what type of political ideas he may like (oligarchy, democracy, tyranny, etc)

5. Bring it next class on an A4 white piece of paper. Be creative and have fun!

Homework examples:

Bibliography

Mr Donn. (n.d.). Sparta. Retrieved 07 20, 2012, from Mr Donn: http://greece.mrdonn.org/sparta.html

Mr Donn. (n.d.). Athens. Retrieved 07 2012, 2012, from Mr Donn: http://greece.mrdonn.org/athens.html

Images taken from Google.