Athenian Democracy

Abstract

Athenian democracy is generally considered the first reference of classical democracy. Here, we outline its history: from the origins as laid by Draco and Solon in 621– 594 BC, and tyranny of Peisistratos and his sons in the 6th century BC, through to the full institutionalization of democracy by Cleisthenes in 508/7 BC, in the Golden Age under Ephialtes and Pericles in the middle of the 5th century BC, and its subsequent decline in the 4th century BC. This chapter also describes its main features: the active participation of all citizens in legislative, executive, and juridical bodies; the selection of council members, jurors and civil magistrates by lot (elections were considered an attribute of oligarchy); the procedure of ostracism (banishing); and the administrative reforms to support democratic innovations. The philosophy of Athenian democracy as well as notions about ideal government are illustrated by the views of Thucydides, Pericles, Plato, and Aristotle. Finally, we describe Aristotle’s mathematical model (though textually expressed) that explains the principle of decision making in a democracy, an oligarchy and a mixed state, which combines elements of them both.

Inferiors revolt in order that they may be equal, and equals that they may be superior. Such is the state of mind which creates revolutions.

Aristotle (384 BC – 322 BC)