1. Analyze the structure and functions of the democratic system in ancient Athens by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
(a) How was the government of ancient Athens structured?
(a) How was the government of ancient Athens structured?
(b) How did the structure of the government in ancient Athens provide opportunities for citizens to participate in decision making?
(c) How did identity, status and class structure impact citizenship in ancient Athens?
- Government positions held by ordinary citizens, rich or poor, with equal chances of being elected Lottery to chose government – equal chances for everyone
- Short terms of power – no one controls government for too long
- Assembly gave all citizens a chance to be heard – direct democracy
- Every citizen was considered equal, and any citizen could bring up law
(c) How did identity, status and class structure impact citizenship in ancient Athens?
Female Citizens – had little say in any aspect of life in Athens
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(d) How did the social structure of ancient Athens impact its political structure?
(e) To what extent were democratic ideals of equity and fairness part of the structure of government and society in ancient Athens?
- Citizenship was a great responsibility, so you had to earn it.
- Citizens owned slaves, which gave citizens time to participate in government.
- Citizens spent long hours talking about politics in the marketplace, assembly or work.
- Slaves were usually uneducated and served owners, but made democracy in Athens possible.
- Metics were trusted to live in Athens but were considered foreigners
- Women had few rights and their main role was to obey a man. They were important, but had no involvement in politics
(e) To what extent were democratic ideals of equity and fairness part of the structure of government and society in ancient Athens?
- Slavery was accepted
- Women were closed off from most of society
- Immigrants (metics) were not allowed to participate, even though they were an important part of Athenian life
- Most residents of Athens could not participate in government.
- Individual rights were not important compared to what the majority wanted.
- The courts had no real rules of evidence – it was just who could convince the jury better
- At the time (500 BCE), most of the world was ruled by kings and tyrants while Athens was governed by the people. Every citizen had a voice.
- Athenian citizens were directly involved in politics.