What best describes Athenian democracy?

Athenian democracy was a system of government where all male citizens could attend and participate in the assembly which governed the city-state. This was a democratic form of government where the people or 'demos' had real political power. Athens, therefore, had a direct democracy.

How did Athenian democracy work?

All male citizens of Athens could attend the assembly which made political decisions. In practice, this assembly usually involved a maximum of 6000 citizens. Any citizen could speak to the assembly and vote on decisions by simply holding up their hands. The majority won the day and the decision was final.

How did Pericles define Athenian democracy?

The Athenian statesman Pericles defined democracy as a system which protects the interests of all the people, not just a minority. He also said that the ability to govern and participate in government was more important than one's class.

How did Cleisthenes reform Athenian democracy?

Cleisthenes changed Athenian democracy becuase he redefined what it was to be a citizen and so removed the influence of traditional clan groups. Now all citizens could participate in government, not just aristocrats.

Athenian Democracy Timeline

Definition

Athenian democracy refers to the system of democratic government used in Athens, Greece from the 5th to 4th century BCE. Under this system, all male citizens - the dēmos - had equal political rights, freedom of speech, and the opportunity to participate directly in the political arena.

More about: Athenian Democracy

Timeline

594 BCE - 593 BCE
In Athens the archon Solon lays the foundations for democracy.
c. 508 BCE
According to Aristotle, the institution of ostracism is introduced in Athens under Cleisthenes.
c. 508 BCE
Reforms by Cleisthenes establishes democracy in Athens.
c. 487 BCE
The first ostracism vote takes place in Athens and Hipparchus is exiled.
482 BCE
Aristides is voted in an ostracism in Athens and exiled from the city.
c. 471 BCE
The general and statesman Themistocles is voted in an ostracism and exiled from Athens.
463 BCE
Pericles leads a prosecution of Cimon on charges of corruption but he is acquitted.
462 BCE - 461 BCE
Radicalisation of democracy in Athens; Cimon exiled, Pericles comes to exercise influence.
c. 462 BCE - 458 BCE
Pericles introduces democratic institutions in Athens.
461 BCE
Cimon is voted in an ostracism in Athens and exiled from the city.
c. 460 BCE - c. 320 CE
Period of full and direct citizen democracy in Athens.
c. 417 BCE
In the last recorded ostracism the demagogue Hyperbolos is exiled from Athens.
411 BCE
The oligarchy of the 400 take over the democracy in Athens and in a matter of months is replaced by an oligarchy of 5000.
406 BCE
The Athenian demos decides to execute six generals even after they have won the battle of Arginousai.
403 BCE
Restoration of the democracy in Athens, death of the tyrant Critias.
399 BCE
The Athenian demos pass the death sentence on Socrates.
355 BCE
Demosthenes begins to deliver speeches in the Athenian assembly.

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