Democracy In Ancient Greece
Introduction
Ancient Greece is normally associated with the origin of democracy. Basically, Greek government evolved from single rule to small group rule to rule by the people. Because each city-state in ancient Greece possessed its own government, some of these types existed other than democracy, namely monarchy, aristocracy, tyranny, oligarchy. This essay will compare and contrast the ancient governments, namely monarchy, aristocracy, tyranny, oligarchy and democracy in Ancient Greek city states.
Democracy surfaced in Greece around 500 B.C. This is what is known as rule by people or rule by all. It was developed by the Athens by K and others. It was based on the principle that all citizens of the city-state of Athens had right to attend …show more content…
and were widespread in the fifth century. It is known as rule by one or that the ruling power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control, mainly by illegal means. A tyrant became known for holding onto power by cruel and abusive means. So, therefore tyranny was a response to corrupt governments that treated citizens harshly. A tyrant, who is usually a former soldier, would gain the support of the middle class by promising them a better life under his ruling. He would use the support he is getting to overthrow the government in power and seize power. They often kept their promises and did not make improvement to infrastructure while in power.
A small group of noblemen led the government in an aristocracy. This was after the monarchies died out. Aristocracy is what is known as to be ruled by few. Overtime they eventually became an oligarchy. This is when rich citizens not of a noble birth were also allowed to participate. They did not offer citizens a say in their government and could also be as harsh and corrupt. A minority of men from rich families controlled the state. Sparta was one of the last with a successful oligarchy.
Conclusion
During the Archaic period, 750-500 BCE, the Ancient Greek systems of government took many forms. The Greek city-states were self-governing entities and not bound together by any type of central control or an empire, as in other ancient civilizations, so various governing
Ancient Greece is normally associated with the origin of democracy. Basically, Greek government evolved from single rule to small group rule to rule by the people. Because each city-state in ancient Greece possessed its own government, some of these types existed other than democracy, namely monarchy, aristocracy, tyranny, oligarchy. This essay will compare and contrast the ancient governments, namely monarchy, aristocracy, tyranny, oligarchy and democracy in Ancient Greek city states.
Democracy surfaced in Greece around 500 B.C. This is what is known as rule by people or rule by all. It was developed by the Athens by K and others. It was based on the principle that all citizens of the city-state of Athens had right to attend …show more content…
and were widespread in the fifth century. It is known as rule by one or that the ruling power is in the hands of an individual who has seized control, mainly by illegal means. A tyrant became known for holding onto power by cruel and abusive means. So, therefore tyranny was a response to corrupt governments that treated citizens harshly. A tyrant, who is usually a former soldier, would gain the support of the middle class by promising them a better life under his ruling. He would use the support he is getting to overthrow the government in power and seize power. They often kept their promises and did not make improvement to infrastructure while in power.
A small group of noblemen led the government in an aristocracy. This was after the monarchies died out. Aristocracy is what is known as to be ruled by few. Overtime they eventually became an oligarchy. This is when rich citizens not of a noble birth were also allowed to participate. They did not offer citizens a say in their government and could also be as harsh and corrupt. A minority of men from rich families controlled the state. Sparta was one of the last with a successful oligarchy.
Conclusion
During the Archaic period, 750-500 BCE, the Ancient Greek systems of government took many forms. The Greek city-states were self-governing entities and not bound together by any type of central control or an empire, as in other ancient civilizations, so various governing