Strength Of Athenian Democracy

The Weakness and Strength of Athenian Democracy

Ancient Greek culture has left a permanent mark on the function of society and politics. One of the lasting impacts still seen in the current day politics is democracy. After the Persian war, Athens established changes in their political function. This led to the birth of a democratic system. Giving a voice to the people had strengths and weaknesses; this change to society brought forth many strong opinions in favor of and against the system. Some said that it gave power to fools to decide what wise men debate. Plato was among the men who disagreed with Athenian democracy. On the other side, Pericles and others in favor of Athenian democracy claimed that the changed system made Athens great. After

Athens entered into its Golden Age; the city functioned with excellence in economics, military strength, and political development. Traditionally, the only ones with a chance at holding any political influence were well-born men from wealthy families. The 7th century led to law-codes in Athens to limit the power of individuals and wealthy families. The 6th century almost led to a Civil War from the class conflicts. Reformers recognized the flaw in society and started the attempt to break oligarchy. Solon was one of these reformers who began his work in 594 B.C.; through his influence, debt slavery was abolished, and more opportunities were opened to regular citizens. Later on, in the same century, another aristocrat reformer named Cleisthenes continued the reformation work in Athens. Political positions were chosen by lottery rather than heredity or family ties. By the time that democracy was officially established in Athens, there was an Athenian Assembly for voting; the assembly included all citizens (women, slaves, and foreigners did not have citizenship) and the majority vote decided. The inclusion of citizens helped citizens gain a greater understanding of political function and political

It is highly unlikely for a citizen to be aware enough to make a proper political assessment. However, that is exactly the point that the democrats wanted to make. Pericles, a respected man in Athens, was a public supporter of democracy. Under his leadership, Athens was able to achieve economic, political, and military success. Through democracy, every citizen was important and valued by Athenian leadership. Democracy showed civilians that they mattered, and their experiences were worth a vote in political affairs. While this system invited uneducated and ignorant voices, they were able to share their voice in a period of enlightenment. Plato and other critics of Athenian democracy had a valid point: democracy will invite the wrong voices into important political decisions. What they did not acknowledge is that democracy would also invite citizens to study politics and governmental practice. The transitional stage was challenging for Athens; however, the overall effect of democracy built a society of well-educated citizens in the way of political