Athens, having expelled its tyrant in 510 BCE, began to experiment with democracy in 508 BCE with an Assembly elected by male citizens.
During the Persian invasion 480-479 BCE the aristocratic Council of the Areopagus took control to control the war effort and remained in control until 461 BCE when Ephialtes removed it and re-established the authority of the Assembly and was murdered for this.
Pericles took over and began to extend democracy further, expelling his conservative opponent Thucydides son of Melesias in 444 BCE, and extended political power to all male adults regardless of property qualifications. The Assembly decided, the Council carried out it's directions. This is known as a radical democracy - (as opposed to today's representative democracies wher voters elect members of parliament, who make the decisions).
This democracy continued on (with some periods during and after the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) when it was limited to meet war crises) but faded as people lost interest in fortnightly Assembly meetings and government fell more and more to the Council, with the people voting on Council motions.
Athenian democracy and the democratic system of the United States differ in several key ways. Athenian democracy was a direct democracy where citizens voted on laws and policies directly, while the U.S. has a representative democracy where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. Additionally, Athenian democracy was limited to male citizens, while the U.S. has expanded voting rights to include women and minorities. Both systems value citizen participation and the protection of individual rights, but they operate in different ways to achieve these goals.
Athenian democracy helped shape modern concepts of democracy and citizenship, influencing systems of government around the world. The principles of equality, free speech, and citizen participation in decision-making continue to be relevant in contemporary democratic societies. The legacy of Athenian democracy serves as a model for ongoing efforts to promote civil rights, political engagement, and social justice.
Athenian democracy developed around the fifth century BC in the Greek city-state .... Also excluded from voting were citizens whose rights were under suspension ..... of democracy: 'it distributes a sort of equality to equal and unequal alike'.
Athenian democracy developed around the fifth century BC in the Greek city-state .... Also excluded from voting were citizens whose rights were under suspension ..... of democracy: 'it distributes a sort of equality to equal and unequal alike'.
In Athenian democracy, participation was limited to free male citizens of Athens who were at least 18 years old. This excluded women, slaves, and foreign residents (metics) from having any political rights. Only about 10-20% of the population in Athens were eligible to participate in the democratic process, which included voting and holding public office. This exclusivity highlights the limitations of Athenian democracy despite its historical significance.
Justice versus mercy
Fairness, equity, and equality are crucial for fostering inclusive societies where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Fairness ensures that individuals are treated justly, while equity addresses the need for tailored support based on differing circumstances, promoting a level playing field. Equality emphasizes that all individuals deserve the same rights and opportunities, helping to combat discrimination and social injustice. Together, these principles contribute to social cohesion, economic stability, and overall well-being.
freedom- to make your own choices, things that the government and others cant stop you from doing representation- in a group choosing the most popular idea justice- fairness and doing whats right, we relay on justice to protect our rights equity- everyones needs are reached and treated fairly
Solon, an Athenian statesman and lawmaker from the 6th century BCE, is credited with laying the foundations for Athenian democracy. He introduced a series of political and economic reforms that aimed to reduce aristocratic power, alleviate debt, and promote social equity. Among his key contributions were the establishment of a more inclusive political system and the codification of laws that protected the rights of citizens, setting the stage for future democratic developments in Athens.
During the radical democracy period, government was by the assembly of the adult male citizens, who directed on everything. The council carried out its decisions.
The main criticism of ancient Athenian democracy is the limitations Athenian law placed upon who could be considered a citizen. The only Athenians who were considered full citizens were Athens-born men of at least 18 years of age. And to be considered Athens-born, both of one's parents had to have been citizens. But while women could be considered citizens, they had no voice in the Assembly, and no real rights within the democracy. Furthermore, slaves had no voice whatsoever in the Athenian democracy.
Equality of rights; natural justice or right; the giving, or desiring to give, to each man his due, according to reason, and the law of God to man; fairness in determination of conflicting claims; impartiality., An equitable claim; an equity of redemption; as, an equity to a settlement, or wife's equity, etc., A system of jurisprudence, supplemental to law, properly so called, and complemental of it.