The Greek Roots of Democracy. Chapter 1 Section 1

Transcription

1 The Greek Roots of Democracy Chapter 1 Section 1

2 Objectives How democracy developed in the Greek city-state of Athens How Greek philosophers viewed reason, democracy, tyranny, and rule of law

3 City-States Greeks built small, independent city-states City-state = a political unit consisting of a city and surrounding lands Most influential city-states were Athens and Sparta Sparta stressed stern discipline-strong military-warriors Athens glorified the individual and extended political rights to more citizens

4 Greece

5 Forms of Government Government started as monarchy in many city-states Monarchy = government in which a king/queen exercises authority Monarchies turned into into aristocracies Aristocracy = government run by a small, often wealthy class of people

6 Spartan Government Two kings Council of elders who advised the monarchs

7 Athens Idea of democracy first took root in Athens

8 Democracy is government by the people

9 THE BIG QUESTION: WHAT CAUSED DEMOCRACY TO FIRST TAKE ROOT IN ATHENS??

10 Forms of Government Athenian aristocrats amassed wealth and power Ordinary people like soldiers and merchants resented the power of the aristocracy Unhappiness fueled the rise of tyrants (rulers who gained power by force) Tyrants won support from the 1) poor and 2) merchants Tyrants passed reforms (changes) that helped poor, ordinary people

11 Cleisthenes Athenian politician and tyrant He expanded the role of ordinary citizens in government and set up a genuine legislature Legislature = place where laws are made In a sense, tyrants helped move Athens toward a full democracy

12 Cleisthenes

13 Pericles Athenian politician Believed all male citizens should participate in government, regardless of social class Male citizens over 30 served on a jury for one year

14 Pericles In a speech, Pericles praised the Athenian form of government, stating that power was in the hands of not a minority but of the whole people (the whole people share power, not just a minority of aristocrats)

15 Pericles

16 Greek Philosophers Contribute to the Rise of Democracy

17 What is a philosopher?

18 Philosopher Person who seeks wisdom or enlightenment

19 Socrates Long time defender of democracy Went around town asking Athenian citizens annoying questions Socrates argued that the individual has the responsibility of following the laws of the state Put on trial for corruption Found guilty death penalty drank poison hemlock (poisonous plant)

20 Socrates

21 Plato Student of Socrates Plato disagreed with Socrates and rejected democracy The state should regulate every aspect of its citizens lives to provide for their best interests (because government knows what is YOUR best interest, NOT you, right?)

22 Plato ANTI- DEMOCRATIC!!!

23 Aristotle Student of Plato Favored a constitutional government (government whose powers are expressed and limited by a constitution) Favored the rule of law rules by which we are governed are 1) known in advance and 2) created through the democratic process Rules should not be made up after the fact by arbitrary decisions or decrees (orders)

24 Aristotle Rulers (e.g., kings, queens) must be subject to law All members of society average citizens and government officials (senators, judges, the president) are required to obey the law No one is above the law This democratic principle lies at the heart of all modern constitutional governments

25 Aristotle

26 Summary of Greek Philosophers Socrates Favored democracy Plato Rejected democracy Aristotle Favored constitutional government and the rule of law

27 Powerpoint Questions (11 points) 1. Identify the two principle Greek city-states 2. Define city-state. 3. Which city-state seemed to value more individual rights? 4. What is the type of government in which a king/queen exercises authority? 5. Define democracy. 6. Define tyrants 7. What did Pericles believe about democracy?

28 Powerpoint Questions 8. According to Socrates, what was the responsibility of each individual? 9. What did Plato believe the state should regulate? 10. What is the democratic principle that lies at the heart of all modern constitutional governments? Which philosopher argued this position? (2 points)

29 The End