ATHENIAN DEMOCRACY Meaning and
Definition
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Athenian democracy refers to the system of governance established in ancient Athens, a city-state in Greece, during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. It is widely regarded as one of the earliest and most influential democratic systems in human history. Athenian democracy was based on the principles of citizen participation, equality, and direct rule of the people.
In Athenian democracy, all male citizens of Athens above 18 years old were eligible to participate in the decision-making process. This concept of citizen participation was radical for its time, as it granted ordinary citizens a say in the affairs of the state, allowing them to directly influence legislation, vote on important issues, and hold public office. However, it is important to note that this democracy excluded women, children, enslaved individuals, and foreigners, restricting its application to a relatively small portion of the population.
Equality played a crucial role in Athenian democracy, as it provided all eligible male citizens with an equal opportunity to express their opinions, propose laws, and hold positions of political power. Decision-making was mostly conducted through a deliberative assembly known as the "Ecclesia," where citizens could debate and vote on various matters, including legislation, foreign policy, and the election of officials.
While Athenian democracy was not without its flaws and limitations, it laid the foundation for democratic principles that are still influential today. Its emphasis on citizen engagement, equality, and direct rule by the people set a significant precedent for future democratic systems, shaping the course of political thought and practice throughout history.
Etymology of ATHENIAN DEMOCRACY
The word "Athenian" is derived from the ancient Greek city-state of Athens, which was the birthplace of democracy in ancient Greece. The name "Athens" itself is believed to have originated from the Greek goddess Athena, who was the patron deity of the city.
The term "democracy" is composed of two Greek words: "demos", meaning "people", and "kratos", meaning "power" or "rule". Therefore, "democracy" literally translates to "rule by the people". The concept of democracy was developed and put into practice in Athens during the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.
Thus, the phrase "Athenian democracy" refers to the system of governance established and practiced in ancient Athens, where political decisions were made by the citizens of the city-state through direct participation and voting in the assembly.
