September 11, Slides 1-6 Flashcards
What perennial political problem did Athenian democracy address?
Athenian democracy balanced the centralization and decentralization of power by giving authority to the people and ensuring accountability of officials.
How does ostracism reflect Athenian democratic principles?
Ostracism allowed citizens to vote to exile individuals they believed were gaining too much power, safeguarding the principle of equal participation.
What were the duties of Athenian citizens in their democracy?
Participation in the Assembly and serving in government roles, including juries and the Council of 500, were considered civic duties.
How does Athenian democracy compare to modern political systems?
Athenian democracy was highly participatory, with citizens directly involved in governance, unlike modern representative democracies where officials are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people.
What beliefs about human nature influenced Athenian political institutions?
Athenian institutions reflected a belief in human equality and the ability of ordinary citizens to govern, while addressing limitations through lottery and accountability measures.
How did Athenian democracy handle political disagreements?
Decisions were made collectively in the Assembly, and mechanisms like jury trials and ostracism resolved disputes and prevented power imbalances.
Why is Athenian democracy considered a participatory system?
Athenian democracy required active involvement from citizens in decision-making, law enforcement, and government administration, making it a model of direct democracy.
What does “E pluribus unum” signify in a democratic context?
It signifies creating unity out of diversity, a challenge faced by both ancient and modern democracies in balancing individual differences with collective decision-making.
How do political institutions reflect societal values?
Political institutions embody beliefs about human nature, defining the limits of human capabilities and ideals for living together in a society.
What was the role of term limits in Athenian democracy?
Term limits ensured no one individual could dominate the political system, reinforcing equality and preventing abuse of power.
