Transcript Roots of Democracy

Roots of Democracy
The Greco-Roman and JudeoChristian Influence on Democracy
Athens becomes the 1st Democracy
• Athens is the world’s first
direct democracy.
• In a direct democracy, all
citizens meet in one place to
make the laws for the state.
(town meeting)
• The Athenian Government had many strengths,
but it also had serious weaknesses. Athenian
law denied citizenship to women, slaves and
foreign residents.
The Death of Athens
• Athens political problems
made it weak.
• Socrates became a scapegoat
for Athens problems.
• When Sparta defeated Athens,
it lead to a lack of confidence
in democracy.
• When Socrates was executed,
his student Plato was
convinced that most people
lacked the wisdom needed to
have a democratic
government.
Plato’s “Republic”
• Plato wrote a book called “The Republic”
• In this book he describes his ideal state
which consists of the following:
Philosopher Kings
Skilled Administrators
The People
Aristotle’s “Politics”
• Plato’s student Aristotle became the next
great Greek philosopher.
• He wrote a book called “Politics.”
• In it he stated the following:
– The main goal of every individual is to achieve
happiness.
– Since man is the only animal that can think,
his life should be governed by reason
– Man is by nature a political animal.
Greece Quick Review
• How did the Greeks influence the
development of democracy?
– Government favors the many rather then the
few.
– Direct Democracy
– Concept of citizenship (Although limited)
– Socrates taught to question
– Plato: leaders should be intelligent
– Aristotle: People should be happy
Rome Develops a New Democracy
• Romans were actively involved in their
government.
• They formed a Republic in which all
government officials were elected by the
people.
• They also created a written legal code.
Roman Law
• Roman laws included the following:
– All citizens had the right to protection under
the law.
– Laws could be changed by vote
• Rome also structured their government
into 3 branches.
– Legislative, Executive, Judicial
• Romans felt that in times of crisis they
should appoint a “temporary dictator” to
solve the crisis.
Rome Quick Review
• How did the Romans contribute to the
development of democracy?
– Representative Democracy
• Republic: All government officials elected
– Separation of Powers (3 Branches)
• Legislative, Executive, Judicial
– Senate is an example
– Roman Written Legal Code
Before Judaism, what were the
characteristics of most religions?
• Polytheistic (Many
gods)
• People thought
gods wanted
sacrifices and
rituals in their
honor.
What did Hebrews (Judaism)
believe?
• One all powerful God
– Monotheistic
• People were created in God’s image
– All people have dignity and divine spark
• God wanted people to live moral lives
– All can decide between good and evil.
• How did this contribute to the development
of democracy?
– It emphasized the worth of the individual
Did the Hebrews have Laws?
• Ten
Commandments
• What was their
focus?
– Morality and ethics
– Strict and all had to
obey…
– …but God was
merciful.
What did the prophets teach?
• Everyone should:
– Oppose injustice and oppression
– Help those less fortunate
– Life could be better on earth
– An end to poverty
– People are capable of good
– Equality
Judeo-Christian Quick Review
• How did the Judeo-Christian tradition
contribute to the development of
democracy?
– All humans are special
– Individual Responsibility
– Everyone must obey the law
– Fight against injustice