Download
1 / 29
340 likes | 1.14k Views
The Greek Roots of Democracy. Chapter 1 Section 1. Objectives. How democracy developed in the Greek city-state of Athens How Greek philosophers viewed reason, democracy, tyranny, and rule of law. City-States. Greeks built small, independent city-states
E N D
The Greek Roots of Democracy Chapter 1 Section 1
Objectives • How democracy developed in the Greek city-state of Athens • How Greek philosophers viewed reason, democracy, tyranny, and rule of law
City-States • Greeks built small, independent city-states • City-state = a political unit consisting of a city and surrounding lands • Most influential city-states were Athens and Sparta • Sparta stressed stern discipline-strong military-warriors • Athens glorified the individual and extended political rights to more citizens
Forms of Government • Government started as monarchy in many city-states • Monarchy = government in which a king/queen exercises authority • Monarchies turned into into aristocracies • Aristocracy = government run by a small, often wealthy class of people
Spartan Government • Two kings • Council of elders who advised the monarchs
Athens • Idea of democracy first took root in Athens
THE BIG QUESTION: WHAT CAUSED DEMOCRACY TO FIRST TAKE ROOT IN ATHENS??
Forms of Government • Athenian aristocrats amassed wealth and power • Ordinary people like soldiers and merchants resented the power of the aristocracy • Unhappiness fueled the rise of tyrants (rulers who gained power by force) • Tyrants won support from the 1) poor and 2) merchants • Tyrants passed reforms (changes) that helped poor, ordinary people
Cleisthenes • Athenian politician and tyrant • He expanded the role of ordinary citizens in government and set up a genuine legislature • Legislature = place where laws are made • In a sense, tyrants helped move Athens toward a full democracy
Pericles • Athenian politician • Believed all male citizens should participate in government, regardless of social class • Male citizens over 30 served on a jury for one year
Pericles • In a speech, Pericles praised the Athenian form of government, stating that power was in the hands of “not a minority but of the whole people” • (the whole people share power, not just a minority of aristocrats)
Philosopher • Person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment
Socrates • Long time defender of democracy • Went around town asking Athenian citizens annoying questions • Socrates argued that the individual has the responsibility of following the laws of the state • Put on trial for corruption • Found guilty—death penalty—drank poison hemlock (poisonous plant)
Plato • Student of Socrates • Plato disagreed with Socrates and rejected democracy • The state should regulate every aspect of its citizens’ lives to provide for their best interests (because government knows what is YOUR best interest, NOT you, right?)
Plato ANTI-DEMOCRATIC!!!
Aristotle • Student of Plato • Favored a constitutional government (government whose powers are expressed and limited by a constitution) • Favored the rule of law – rules by which we are governed are 1) known in advance and 2) created through the democratic process • Rules should not be made up after the fact by arbitrary decisions or decrees (orders)
Aristotle • Rulers (e.g., kings, queens) must be subject to law • All members of society—average citizens and government officials (senators, judges, the president) are required to obey the law • “No one is above the law” • This democratic principle lies at the heart of all modern constitutional governments
Summary of Greek Philosophers • Socrates – Favored democracy • Plato – Rejected democracy • Aristotle – Favored constitutional government and the rule of law
Powerpoint Questions (11 points) • 1. Identify the two principle Greek city-states • 2. Define city-state. • 3. Which city-state seemed to value more individual rights? • 4. What is the type of government in which a king/queen exercises authority? • 5. Define “democracy”. • 6. Define “tyrants” • 7. What did Pericles believe about democracy?
Powerpoint Questions • 8. According to Socrates, what was the responsibility of each individual? • 9. What did Plato believe the state should regulate? • 10. What is the democratic principle that lies at the heart of all modern constitutional governments? Which philosopher argued this position? (2 points)
