Forms of Government in Ancient Greece Global History

Forms of Government in Ancient Greece Global History I: Spiconardi

Monarchy Definition • MONARCHY - Form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of one person. Etymology • Monos = single • Arkhein = rule

Monarchy How was it practiced in ancient Greece? • People paid taxes to their in king, obeyed his laws, and depended on the king for protection. • Usually monarchs inherited their power hereditarily. How did this form of government decline? • Kings fought one another for territory

Oligarchy Definition • Oligarchy- Form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands a few individuals. Etymology • Oligos= few • Arkhein = rule

Oligarchy How was it practiced in ancient Greece? How did this form of government decline? • Political decisions were • Some oligarchs ruled made by aristocrats and selected members of the middle class. • Ordinary citizens had little to no say in how the polis was run harshly • Rebellion against the aristocracy due to food shortages and other problems

Tyranny Definition • TYRANNY- Form of government in which the ruling power is in the hands of a person who overthrew the government. Etymology • Tyrannos= Usurper with supreme power Usurper = someone who seizes power

Tyranny How was it practiced in ancient Greece? • With support of the common people, tyrants seized power to reform laws, aid the poor, and cancel debts Usually a “populist” People vs. the elite platform. How did this form of government decline? • Some tyrants became greedy with their power, turned back their reforms and were overthrown

Democracy Definition • DEMOCRACY- Form of government in which the people have the ruling power. Etymology • Demos= people • Arkhein = rule

Democracy How was it practiced in ancient Greece? • Citizens were members of an Assembly with voted on laws proposed by a Council of 500 randomly selected citizens.

Sparta Predominately an oligarchy, but with a mixed with elements of monarchy and democracy

Sparta Oligarchy • Ephors five individuals elected annually by the popular assembly Duties In charge of civil trials Levied taxes Formed foreign policy Regulated the calendar In charge of military training Accompanied kings on battlefield Had the ability to charge and prosecute the king

Athens The Council • 500 randomly selected citizens • Proposed laws • Made decrees The Assembly • Made up of ALL citizens • Debated and passed the laws proposed by the Council Direct democracy A true democracy? • No! • Citizens Male Born to Athenian parents Had to complete military training Originally there was a property requirement Lack of free speech Could face expulsion if you comments upset members of the Council