The Development of Democracy in Ancient Greece Monarchy

The Development of Democracy in Ancient Greece Monarchy • Definition Aristocracy Ruling power • is in the hands of one person King Visual Noble Families (small # land owners) People How was this form of government practiced in ancient Greece? Who practiced this type of government (Person or groups of people)? • • • Kings inherited their power through their family Mycenaeans Sparta (combination) A small group • of noble, landowning families rule People • • Families often • gain political power after working in the king’s military Noble rule is passed down in the family and is based on land • ownership • Athens Sparta (combination) Oligarchy Ruling power • is in the hands of a few leaders Few Leaders People Political • decisions were made by a few aristocrats and selected members of the middle class that were wealthy. Athens • Sparta (combination) Tyranny Ruling power • is in the hands of a person who has seized control Democracy Ruling power is in the hands of the people Leader (seized control) Rule by the People With support • from the middle class, tyrants seized power to reform laws, aid • the poor, and • cancel debt Athens Majority rule in the Assembly would decide votes. Athens Sparta (combination)

The Development of Democracy in Ancient Greece Monarchy Why did this form of government decline in ancient Greece? • The Dorians destroyed many Mycenaean kingdoms. Aristocracy • There were • repeated clashes between the Aristocracy who governed Athens and • the common people. Oligarchy Some oligarchs ruled harshly and their subjects rebelled. Other oligarchs lost the faith of their supporters because they could not solve key problems. Tyranny • Democracy Some tyrants • Oligarchy became harsh replaced and greedy democracy in and were Athens by overthrown Sparta after the Peloponnesian War.