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Explore the foundations of democracy in Ancient Greece and Rome with key rulers like Solon, Cleisthenes, and Pericles, and the influence of philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Discover the development of direct democracy, the concept of natural laws, and the Roman Republic's impact on modern legal and political systems. Uncover the legacy of both civilizations on democratic principles.
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The Foundations of Democracy Ancient Greece Ancient Rome
The birthplace of democracy is in Athens Athens used to have a monarchy Then it became an aristocracy Then, when the citizens governed or ruled themselves, it became a democracy
Democracy developed because of three Athenian rulers: Solon, Cleisthenes, and Pericles. • They allowed citizens to vote and Athens developed into a direct democracy. • However, not everyone was considered a citizen
They also separated the government into three branches (legislative, executive, and judicial).
Democracy ended when Macedonia (country to the North) invaded Greece in 338 B.C. • Alexander the Great then ruled Greece
Philosophers Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle continued the development of democracy through their writings • Natural Laws: laws of nature that explained how people desired self-rule
Socrates – 1st great Greek philosopher to voice his beliefs in democracy. • Believed in a meritocracy where those with exceptional ability (really smart) and moral character should be leaders.
Plato – wrote The Republic. • Believed a state should be ruled by the wisest not the richest to save the people from evil. • They would be called philosopher-kings.
Aristotle – wrote Politics. • Believed men had a desire and need to live in a governed society.
Greece’s Legacy to Democracy – • Direct Democracy • Three Branches of Government • Natural Laws
B. Ancient Rome • Rome discovered democracy through contact (war) with the Greeks
Established a Republic in 509 B.C. • Divided government into three separate branches
Legislative branch made up of the: • Senate which controlled foreign and financial affairs • The two assemblies
Created the Twelve Tables • A written law code that applied to EVERYONE. • Romans believed citizens had the right to equal treatment under the law.
Rome’s Legacy to Democracy • Idea of a republic • legal and political terms used today • A government of laws, not of men