The Athenian and American Systems of Government
Athens of ancient Greece had perhaps the most advanced system of government of the ancient world. The system of Athens was called a Democracy. That is, every citizen voted on everything. People have claimed that the United States is also a Democracy. This is not true. The government of the United States is a Constitutional Republic (Every). United States citizens vote for representatives, who then vote on the laws. They themselves are limited by a constitution. Democracy is a flawed government system. The Constitutional Republic is also flawed, however, it is better at safeguarding individual rights, when applied correctly. Therefore, a Constitutional Republic is a better system than a Democracy. Athens was one of the largest Greek city states. (Stockton, 4). It was about one thousand square miles (Stockton, 4). Athens was founded in the 8th century BC (Muller). It was at first ruled by the college of archons. (Muller). After a term of one year, the archons became members of the Council of Elders (Muller). The people had a voice in the popular assembly, the Ekklesia (Muller). However, it did not have real power until 600 BC. By then, it was an established institution of Athens (Muller). It became the central policy making body in the 5th century. There were two main governmental bodies, the Assembly and the Council. (Acropolis). The Assembly was responsible for policy making. (Acropolis) The Council was responsible for administration and implementing the Assembly's policies. Not everyone could participate in Athenian politics. Slaves, resident aliens, and women were excluded. The main architect of Athenian law was Solon. It is unknown when Solon was born. He died in 559 BC. (Plutarch). Solon allowed everyone to participate in court (Stockton 19). He created a code of laws based on justice, balance, and good order (Muller). Solon abolished the practice of debt bondage (Muller). Solon created the Council of 400 (Boule), and a court called the Heliaia. (Muller)
Cited: Hospers, John "Freedom and Democracy" Liberty Haven June 1984 5/7/03 http://www.libertyhaven.com/theoreticalorphilosophicalissues/philosophy/freedomdemo.html "Athenian Democracy" The Acropolis http://jnl-journeys.com/democrac.html 5/7/03 Plutarch Lives http://www.e-classics.com/index.html 5/7/03 Plato The Republic http://plato.evansville.edu/texts/jowett/republic.htm 5/7/03 Muller, Helmut M. The Birth and Development of the Polis in Athens http://www.dadalos.org/int/Demokratie/Demokratie/Grundkurs2/antike/athen.htm 1992 5/7/03 Every, David Only Individuals Have Rights http://www.igeek.com/articles/Politics/Government/+IndividualsHaveRights.txt 6/27/99 5/7/03 Agar, Herbert The Perils of Democracy 1965 Stockton, David The Classical Athenian Democracy 1990