Structure of government in Athens Flashcards
Responsibilities of the council of 500
Prepared decree or law proposals. Administers the ecclesia. Supervises and evaluates work done by other magistrates of Athens.
Responsibilities of the executive (prytany)
Preside over Athens during 24 hours (maybe this is when emergencies happen). Guards the seal of Athens and keys giving access to public documents and funds. Receives ambassadors and messengers.
Popular assembly and their responsibilities.
Made up of 6,000 citizens, citizens being free men of 20 years and older. Vote on decrees and treaties. Vote on law proposals submitted to the nomothetai. Elects some magistrates.
Who makes up the military magistracies?
10 generals, 10 taxiarchs, 10 phylarchs, 3 hipparchs and the military treasurer
What is the role of the military magistrates?
Command the military, preside over the Heliaia in affairs relative to the duties of the military.
Who makes up the civil magistracies?
superintendent of springs, commisioners of the theoric fund, 600 other magistrates.
Who makes up the archons and what overall branch are they under?
They are under the civil magistrates. There is the eponymlus arhcon, polemarch archon, King Archon and 6 citizens.
What is the role of the archons?
Organise the feasts celebrated in Athens. Preside over the Helliaia in affairs of family and inheritance law.
When the archons retire what do they do?
Join the ancient tribunal (areopagus) which judge the homicides of Athenian citizens.
Who makes up the popular tribunal (heliaia)
The 6,000 citizens, multiple juries of different sizes. The Nomothetai (who vote on the laws)
What are the responsibilities of the jury?
Judge civil and criminal affairs. Judge the legality of decrees. Examine the magistrates.
