Classical Democracy: Athens

Athens = democracy
Growth of land and overseas trade stimulated development of city states (polis)
Political structure of early city states = ruled by tyrants/autocrats who represented the
interests of the wealthy through land ownership or commerce land trade
Population of city states increased = social struggle occurred
Concessions were made in city states to preserve balance of power Athens and other city
states strengthened economic autonomy of small and medium sized farmers & peasants
created a community of smallholders
o B/c of this, independent citizens enjoyed increase in scope of their activities (also
b/c of slavery)
Formation of slave economy = allowed for Greek urban civilization of flourish Greek city
communities acquired a growing sense of identity and solidary
Mid 6th century = early democratic policy emerged in Chios
Emergence of early democracies = process marked by continuous change over many
generations
What led to the development of democracy?

Emergence of economically and militarily independent citizen through small and compact
communities this nurtured a democratic way of life
o Communication between societies and communities spread ideas of democracy

Political Ideals and Aims

Democracy of Athens political ideas = equality among citizens, liberty, respect for law &
justice
o Power is in the hands of the whole people
o Everyone is equal before the law
Community where all citizens can participate in the creation and nurturing of a common life
o No citizens faced obstacles bc of rank or wealth
Demos (masses) hold sovereign power (supreme authority) to engage in legislative and
judicial functions
Athenian concept of citizenship = participate directly in affairs of the state
o There was a commitment to civic virtuededication to the city state and
subordination to the private life to public affairs and common good
Public and private lives were interconnected virtue of the person is the same as the
virtue of the citizen
o Individuals could only fulfill themselves and live honorably as citizens through
polisethics and politics were merged in life of the political community
Machiavelli and Hobbes = challenge state and society demos definition said people and
government were not part of the political philosophy of the Athenian city state
o Machiavelli and Hobbes definition = direct participation instead of self-government
(governors were to be governed)
o Said process of government should be direct participation give all citizens an
equal right to speak in the sovereign assembly
 Idea of Athenian democracy = through participation in common life of the city (also through
independence, status, education, art) an individual can fulfill his material powers and the
goals (telos) of the common people
Basic democratic constitution = liberty; equality for each citizen
Liberty and equality are linked in democracy
o Aristotle: criteria for liberty
1) ruling and being ruled in turn
2) living as one chooses
o Government must provide equality in order to be sovereignequality = numerical
equality, which is an equal share of the practice of ruling
Equality = the practical basis of liberty
Classical democracyentails liberty liberty entails strict political equality

Institutional Features

Athens democracy = had the Assembly was a sovereign voting body that dealt with many
issues e.g., legal, financial, military

The Exclusivity of Ancient Democracy

Athenian democracy rested on its exclusivity classic city-state had highly restricted
citizenship (marked by unity, solidarity, participation, public deliberation & restricted
citizenship)
o Citizens of Athenian democracy = adult male over age of 20; women = no political
rights; limited civic rights; immigrants not allowed to participate; slaves j- no
democracy
Athenian democracy = tyranny of citizens
Classical political equality definition: equality for those of equal status e.g., male and Athens
born would all be treated equal

The Critics

Critic of Athenian politics = Plato

o Goal of citizens was to create equal power for all citizens through creation of the
Assembly for complaints to be voiced/hold public office
Plato believed that political control must be placed in the hands of the minority
Plato democracy definition = form of society which treats all men as equal whether they are
equal or not and ensures that every individual is free to do as he likes
o Emphasis on commitment to political equality and liberty = hallmark of democracy
Plato believed: the problems of the world cannot be resolved until philosophers rule; once
they are educated and trained, they can harmonize all elements of life under the rule of
wisdom
o Belief: Virtue is Knowledge; The Good Life can be grasped through systematic study
Plato also said: freedom of the state is not for freedom of the individuals of the state, but for
freedom of individuals to fulfill his role in the universe
Classical Democracy Overview

Principle of justification: citizens should enjoy political equality in order to be free to rule
and ruled in turn
Called for:
o Direct participation of citizens in legislative and judicial functions
o Assembly of citizens to have sovereign power
o Scope of sovereign power to include all the common affairs of the city
o Multiple methods of selection for public office