Athenian Democracy Essay Outline

Question 1

Body P1- What made it a democracy? first argument:

Answer 1

• Democracy is ruled by the majority of the people.

- Athens had different structures to carry this out

Question 2

Body P1- First evidence supporting argument: What were the citizens rights?

Answer 2

-all male citizens over the age of 18 had the opportunity to take part in an assembly that helped make decisions.

Question 3

Body P1- Second evidence supporting argument: What was a system that made decisions that the public could take part in?

Answer 3

-the Council of 500 elected officials to make decisions, opposed to just one leader.

Question 4

Body P2- The organization of the Athenian democratic system- Argument 2:

Answer 4

• system designed to make collective decisions as a unified group.

Question 5

Body P2- first evidence supporting the argument: Example of the organization of Athenian government that made decisions/ recommendations?

Answer 5

• included ‘the Council of 500’ who were elected from 10 tribes.
• This council made recommendations for action and decisions as one, making it a democracy.

Question 6

Body P2- second evidence supporting the argument: What did many of the citizens (male) do?

Answer 6

• Also, many male citizens held public office at some time in their lives due to the routine administration of public affairs.
• Male citizens voted in assemblies and served as jurors in the courts. They could also hold public office and participate in public affairs regardless of social class.

Question 7

Body P3- (How was the Athenian democratic system similar to the U.S. today?) What is your first evidence supporting the argument?

Answer 7

• Similar to the ‘Council of 500’, America has the House of Representatives.
• In Athens they elected people from each of the 10 tribes. In America we elect people from each of the fifty states.

Question 8

Body P3- (How was the Athenian democratic system similar to the U.S. today?) What can all citizens do (excluding women)?

Answer 8

Though in Greek culture women could not vote, the voting system was siilar in that ALL citizens could vote.

Question 9

CONCLUSION

Answer 9

In conclusion, the Athenians constructed the democratic system we often use in politics today. They gave power to their citizens and let them make decisions about their lives. Their electoral system which offered everyone the chance to contribute their ideas and opinions on different decisions.