Social Studies 6

Unit 2: Athenian Democracy

When and Where?

Athenian democracy started in about 500 B.C.

Athens was considered a HUGE city by ancient Greek standards.

Athens’ overall population was around 250’000 people. However only 30’000-60’000 were considered full Greek citizens.

Who Were the Greek Citizens?

To be a citizen of Athens you had to meet some conditions:

1. You had to be born in Athens. 2. You had to be male. 3. You had to be born free. 4. You couldn’t have any unpaid

taxes. 5. You had to complete military

training and be ready to defend Athens.

The Structure of Athenian Government

Like in Alberta’s democracy there were 3 parts to Athen’s gov’t.

1. Council of 500 (aka the Boule) - Executive Branch

2. Assembly (up to 6000 men) - Legislative Branch.

3. The Courts (at least 200 judges and lawyers)

Athenian Democracy

Athenian Democracy was direct democracy - any adult male citizen could show up to the assembly to vote or propose new laws.

But to have your voice heard, you had to show up to the assembly.

The Assembly passed laws, declared war, elected officials (eg. Judges), and controlled the city affairs.

Athenian Democracy Cont’d

There were no political parties in the assembly and a good speaker could have a lot of power.

Voting was done by either show of hands, or by placing a white or black stone in a clay jar.

Unlike in our system, there was no constitution that controlled the power of the assembly.

Athenian Society

Citizens were Athens born men, 18 years or over who paid taxes and served in the military.

They were allowed to own property, made decisions for their families, and helped run the gov’t of Athens.

Because of the wealth and slaves a citizen had, he had a lot of free-time.

Athenian Prejudices

Prejudice – Judging something without any information.

Athenian men were very prejudiced against both women and foreigners.

They thought women were not capable of deep thought, and that foreigners were all barbarians.

This thinking made sure that few rights were given to women and metics/slaves.