Reforms Of Athenian Government

The organization and the evolution of the Athenian system of government has overcome many reforms and leaders of government. The many leaders that ruled the political system had various thoughts on the organization and structure of the Athenian framework. These reforms, were a foundation that transformed an aristocratic oligarchy to a government where everyone is eligible members and have the opportunity to have an influence on the political system. The aftermath of the Peloponnesian Wars resulted in unification of the once crumbling Athens, which created a force stronger than ever before. The Athenian people proceeding the war were motivated to alter the political framework, into a system that would overcome the tyranny and crisis that they
As a reform minded aristocrat, the Athenian people were striving to avoid the tyranny that had overwhelmed Athens in prior days. The appointment of Solon was out of pure desperation, Solon describes, “but by thoughtless devotion to money, the citizens are willing to destroy our great city” (Demany 145). In other words, Solon is referring to the fact that the villainous crimes that are overcoming the city are out of aristocratic greed and persecution. Following Athens cry for help, Solon resolved the immediate crisis by implementing various reforms. For instance, “freeing the enslaved, even seeking out and redeeming those who had been sold, and he abolished debt slavery for the future” (Demand 147), and freed the land from its enslavement. In addition, to resolving the primary issues, he also instituted numerous constitutional reforms. The most foundational was the substitution of wealth for birth as the sole criteria for holding office positions. This was crucial in the idea that now everyday citizens were able to have a political impact. Furthermore, Solon`s most important refinement was the establishment of the right to appeal and the creation of a second council made of four-hundred men called a boule. This council essentially provided as a check on the Areopagus Council and prepared the agenda for the Ecclesia. After the completion of his reconstruction of order, he left to avoid pressures from the people to modify his legislation. However, he never returned but his actions created the political foundation for Athens, and would be imperative in the influence in the future democracy of