Forms of Government and Athenian Democracy

Forms of Government

• Monarchy: Ruled by a king who inherits power, assisted by a council of elders.
• Aristocracy: Ruled by wealthy, free men who demanded more political power to defend the city.
• Tyranny: Ruled by a single powerful individual, like a dictator.
• Democracy: Ruled by the people.

Athenian Democracy

• Assembly: Met approximately 40 times a year to decide important matters like peace, war, and laws.
• Council of 500: Composed of 500 men chosen by lottery annually. A smaller council of 50 men led the council each month, with a different chairman each day. Prepared proposals for new laws and managed city finances.

Differences Between Athenian and Dutch Democracies

• Decision-Making: Dutch: 150 people make decisions professionally; Greek: Citizens participated alongside their jobs.
• Participation Selection: Dutch: Ordinary citizens decide parliament members every four years; Greek: All eligible citizens participate in the assembly.
• Leadership Tenure: Dutch: Ministers serve four-year terms; Greek: Different governing structure every month.
• Gender Participation: Dutch: All genders participate; Greek: Women excluded from politics.

Decline of Athenian Democracy

• Rise of Macedonian Power: King Philip II gained significant power.
• Conquests by Alexander the Great: After Philip's assassination, Alexander conquered Persia and Egypt, expanding his empire to India, between 336 and 323 BC.
• Limited Citizen Participation: Greek citizens had diminished power, having only a say in minor city matters.