An Example Of Athenian Democracy

Athenian democracy is arguably one of the greatest examples of democracy in history because it established egalitarian principles like rule of law and direct political participation. Athenian statesman, Solon, achieved much of the progress for rule of law. He emphasized, “[...] the doctrine that a state must be subject to a body of just law that commands respect, is applied equally to all and is superior to those who administer it” (Mitchell, 438). A comprehensive code of written laws with clearly defined authority was necessary to ensure that no one would be above the law. By asserting the rule of law, democracy was strengthened and absolute power was rejected. Direct political participation by the demos was one of the most notable features

The Council consisted of 500 randomly selected men and set the agenda for the Assembly. It also served as a watchdog on behalf of the Assembly, by holding accountable any magistrates who were accused of corruption. Mitchell stated, “The Council’s composition, with its membership drawn from all the demes on the basis of proportional representation and rotating annually, with re-election allowed only once in a lifetime, meant a broad spectrum of the entire body of citizens participated in this high office” (Mitchell, 530). This an important strength of democracy because everyone, not just the rich, could hold a position in government. The direct participation created by these two institutions led to a high amount of civic spirit. Consequently, “The broad participation by the mass of citizens in every facet of government obviously helped entrench the rule of the people, but it also had other effects that strengthened the quality and stability of the political system” (Mitchell, 533). Mitchell argues that the dispersal of knowledge that occurred, as a result of broad participation, created a politically-informed

Thucydides favored an oligarchic form of government and questioned the people’s ability to lead. It was the decisions of the Athenian people that increased the chances of war. According to Thucydides, Athenian aggression leading up to the Peloponnesian War made war inevitable. Athens began a quest for hegemony on the mainland during the fifth century. They quickly formed alliances with Sparta’s enemies, which led to even more distrust and hostility between the two states. In addition to forming allies, the Athenians built up a powerful navy and extended the walls to the Piraeus and Phalerum. This was a strategic decision to secure their access to the sea. During the stalemate that occurred during the war, known as the Thirty Years Peace, Mitchell remarks, “The daring revolutionary spirit of the Athenian democracy, so feared by the Peloponnesians and sharpened by leaders like Themistocles and Pericles, made peaceful coexistence between the great rivals, which required preserving a balance of power, a fragile hope” (Mitchell, 302). This reflects Thucydides' idea that aggression and a hunger for power will create conflict. Furthermore, Thucydides questioned the reason why the Athenian people chose to go to war. He believed it was fear that led to war rather than broken treaties. In the end, Athens paid the price for their relentless