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History of Athenian Democracy
Greek democracy created at Athens was direct, rather than representative: any adult male citizen over the age of 20 could take part, and it was a duty to do so. The officials of the democracy were in part elected by the Assembly and in large part chosen by lottery in a process called sortition.
When did democracy start in Athens?
In the year 507 B.C., the Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced a system of political reforms that he called demokratia, or rule by the people (from demos, the people, and kratos, or power). It was the first known democracy in the world.
Who created democracy in Athens?
Cleisthenes of Athens, Cleisthenes also spelled Clisthenes, (born c. 570 bcedied c. 508), statesman regarded as the founder of Athenian democracy, serving as chief archon (highest magistrate) of Athens (525524).
Why did democracy start in Athens?
Solon (in 594 BC), Cleisthenes (in 50807 BC), and Ephialtes (in 462 BC) contributed to the development of Athenian democracy. Cleisthenes broke up the unlimited power of the nobility by organizing citizens into ten groups based on where they lived, rather than on their wealth.
Why did democracy develop in Athens?
Democracy in Athens was started largely thanks to the philosopher and politician Pericles. He dominated Athenian politics and ruled by wise influence and negotiation. Pericles believed that all citizens should partake in government and was the first to offer a stipend to men in office.
How was Athenian democracy considered?
Lastly, Athenian democracy was a direct democracy, rather than a representative one, meaning that all citizens had to vote on every issue, rather than electing a representative that they believed would make good decisions, and leaving most decisions other than elections to the representative to decide.
What was ancient Athens known for?
Athens was the largest and most influential of the Greek city-states. It had many fine buildings and was named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. The Athenians invented democracy, a new type of government where every citizen could vote on important issues, such as whether or not to declare war.
What type of democracy was observed by citizens of Athens?
Representative democracy. Athens had a direct democracy, in which every citizen had to vote on every issue. Decisions were made based on a consensus from the majority of voters.
What type of government did Athens have?
What problems led to the birth of Athenian democracy?
What problems led to the birth of Athenian democracy? Ironically, the suffering of Athenian slaves made Athenian democracy possible. They enabled citizens to engage in politics and intellectual pursuits while they produced food and other necessary goods. How did the hoplites gain political power?
What caused the fall of Athens?
Three major causes of the rise and fall of Athens were its democracy, its leadership, and its arrogance. The democracy produced many great leaders, but unfortunately, also many bad leaders.
How was Athens governed?
How Athenian Democracy Was Born – Ancient Greece …
What did democracy really mean in Athens? – Melissa …
Greek Direct Democracy
