What does democracy in Greece mean?
The word ‘democracy’ has its origins in the Greek language. It combines two shorter words: ‘demos’ meaning whole citizen living within a particular city-state and ‘kratos’ meaning power or rule. A belief in shared power: based on a suspicion of concentrated power (whether by individuals, groups or governments).
What did Greece do for democracy?
Athens developed a system in which every free Athenian man had a vote in the Assembly. Athens developed a system in which every free Athenian man had a vote in the Assembly. In the late 6th century B.C., the Greek city-state of Athens began to lay the foundations for a new kind of political system.
Why was democracy important in ancient Greece?
Athenian democracy depended on every citizen fulfilling his role. All citizens were expected to vote, but they were also expected to serve in the government if necessary. In Athens, the people governed, and the majority ruled. All citizens had equal rights and powers.
What is a democracy in history?
Democracy is a system of government in which laws, policies, leadership, and major undertakings of a state or other polity are directly or indirectly decided by the “people,” a group historically constituted by only a minority of the population (e.g., all free adult males in ancient Athens or all sufficiently …
Where does the word democracy come from in Greek?
The word “democracy” comes from two Greek words that mean people ( demos) and rule ( kratos ). Democracy is the idea that the citizens of a country should take an active role in the government of their country and manage it directly or through elected representatives.
What was the role of democracy in ancient Greece?
The Greek idea of democracy was different from present-day democracy because, in Athens, all adult citizens were required to take an active part in the government. If they did not fulfill their duty they would be fined and sometimes marked with red paint.
How did the destruction of democracy in Athens happen?
Within two centuries, war and the politics of other city-states destroyed democracy in Athens. Those who exerted power as part of a ruling class were not willing to give up their positions, and instead forced the formerly eligible participants to be subjects.
Where was the first democracy in the world?
The first known democracy in the world was in Athens. Athenian democracy developed around the fifth century B.C.E. The Greek idea of democracy was different from present-day democracy because, in Athens, all adult citizens were required to take an active part in the government.
