Ancient Greece is renowned for being the origin of western civilization. Greeks were the first to introduce the concept of democracy in the world. They were also the pioneers of ground-breaking ideas in the fields of technology and inventions. Ancient Greece did not govern as a single entity. but it had independent city-states within it with their distinctive administrations and militia. Among those states, Athens was the most important. A close examination of history reveals that Athens was the hub of urban activity in Greece and without Athens Greek history will lose its significance making the modern life an obsolete one (Davis). Without a doubt, Athens has secured an undeniable place in history of civilization as it produced both genius systems and brilliant men.
As far as the organization of the Athenian democratic system is concerned, it was based on a unique form of voting for electing governmental officials. This method was called Limited Democracy. Athens was governed by a democratic system that gave power to the people as rulers of the polis. Athenians are well-known for their introduction and implementation of a unique democratic order. The general public had the power to nominate and elect a council of 500 members that served as the governmental officials. The laws of Athens were devised and decided by this Council. The democratic government in Athens was chosen and coordinated by a male population belonging to the aristocratic class. The democracy in Athens was in the hands of its citizens. The Council had the executive and administrative control. Any 30-years or above male citizen was eligible for nomination. An Assembly that consisted only of male citizens had veto power over the Council. Additionally, the Assembly was the only influential faction of the Athenian government that had the authority to declare war. For all such reasons, the 4th and 5th centuries BC Athens is famous for being the original and most powerful form of the democratic system in the history of mankind. In the beginning, the constitution of Athens was not preserved in black and white. The class warfare was the major factor behind the Constitution-making and preservation. The political rights of the Athenians were dependent on the stability of their positions and economy. Hippes (Horsemen), Zeugitai (Yokemen) and Thetes (Menials) were the three political ranks that were used in the determination of the political status of Athenians (Durant). It is in the political bubble that the modern-day civilization is grateful to Athens because the concepts of democracy, egalitarianism and social equality were born there.
As far as similarities between Athenian and American forms of government are concerned, both favored democratic system. However, there are several differences between the two. Firstly, while Athenian democracy was Direct Democracy (people/citizens had power); American democracy is Representative Democracy (elected representatives have power) (Bowler & Glazer 2). Another difference is that of participation. Athenians only allowed mature men to be the elected representatives in the Council. On the other hand, American democracy allows both men and women to participate equally. The eligibility criterion is also different between the two. In Athens, only adult males were considered to be eligible enough to become a part of the government. In contrast, American democracy allows every adult above 18 to become a participant in the affairs of government if elected.
Works Cited
Bowler, Shaun, and Amihai Glazer. Direct Democracy's Impact on American Political Institutions. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008. Print.
Davis, William Stearns. A Day in Old Athens; A Picture Of Athenian Life. New York: Biblo and Tannen, 1960. Print.
Durant, Will. The Life of Greece. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1966. Print.
