The Foundations of Democracy A Ancient Greece B

The Foundations of Democracy A. Ancient Greece B. Ancient Rome

A. Ancient Greece

• The birthplace of democracy is in Athens • Athens used to have a monarchy • Then it became an aristocracy • Then, when the citizens governed or ruled themselves, it became a democracy

• Democracy developed because of three Athenian rulers: Solon, Cleisthenes, and Pericles. • They allowed citizens to vote and Athens developed into a direct democracy. • However, not everyone was considered a citizen

• They also separated the government into three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial).

• Democracy ended when Macedonia (country to the North) invaded Greece in 338 B. C. • Alexander the Great then ruled Greece

• Philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle continued the development of democracy through their writings • Natural Laws: laws of nature that explained how people desired self-rule

• Socrates – 1 st great Greek philosopher to voice his beliefs in democracy. • Believed in a meritocracy where those with exceptional ability (really smart) and moral character should be leaders.

• Plato – wrote The Republic. • Believed a state should be ruled by the wisest not the richest to save the people from evil. • They would be called philosopher-kings.

• Aristotle – wrote Politics. • Believed men had a desire and need to live in a governed society.

Greece’s Legacy to Democracy – 1. Direct Democracy 2. Three Branches of Government 3. Natural Laws

B. Ancient Rome • Rome discovered democracy through contact (war) with the Greeks

• Established a Republic in 509 B. C. • Divided government into three separate branches

Legislative branch made up of the: 1. Senate which controlled foreign and financial affairs 2. The two assemblies

• Created the Twelve Tables • A written law code that applied to EVERYONE. • Romans believed citizens had the right to equal treatment under the law.

Rome’s Legacy to Democracy 1. Idea of a republic 2. legal and political terms used today 3. A government of laws, not of men