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The structure of ancient Athenian government
The structure of ancient Athenian government
Ancient Athens was the birthplace of democracy (around 500 BCE).
The government was a Direct Democracy (citizens voted directly on laws themselves rather than electing representatives). It had three main parts:
The Assembly (Ekklesia): A huge meeting where all citizens could speak and vote on laws. They met at a place called the Pnyx (pictured right).
The Council of 500 (Boule): A group that ran the day-to-day business and decided what the Assembly would talk about. Members were chosen by lottery (randomly).
The Court: Used to settle disputes and judge crimes. Juries were very large (sometimes 501 to 1,500 people!) to prevent bribery.
opportunities to participate
opportunities to participate
Direct Voting: Every citizen had the right to attend the Assembly and vote on every single law.
The Lottery: Positions in the Council of 500 were chosen by drawing names (a lottery). This meant any citizen, rich or poor, had an equal chance to be a leader.
Freedom of Speech: In the Assembly, any citizen could stand up and share their opinion, no matter their job.
identity, status, and class
identity, status, and class
In Athens, who you were decided if you had a "voice." Society was divided into:
Citizens: Men who were born in Athens to Athenian parents and had completed military service. Only they could vote.
Metics: People living in Athens who were born elsewhere. They were free but could not vote or own land.
Women: Had no political rights. They could not attend the Assembly or vote.
Slaves: People owned by others. They had no rights, no freedom, and no vote.
Impact of social structure on politics
Impact of social structure on politics
Limited Democracy: Because only male citizens could vote, only about 10% to 20% of the total population actually ran the government.
Labor and Time: Because slaves did most of the hard labor, it gave the male citizens the "free time" needed to spend all day at the Assembly or serving on the Council.
Equity and fairness: to what extent?
Equity and fairness: to what extent?
Fair for Citizens: Within the group of male citizens, it was very fair. The lottery system ensured that being wealthy didn't give you more power than a poor farmer.
Unfair for Others: By today's standards, it was not equitable. Women, Metics, and Slaves were completely left out of the decision-making process.
The Rule of Law: Athenians believed everyone should follow the same rules, but "everyone" really only meant the citizens.
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