The roots of Western governments can be traced back to over two millennia to the Athenian democracy of ancient Greece.
In ancient Athens, the Greeks devised a system of government that handed power to its citizens in unprecedented ways and paved the way to modern democracies and republics as we know them today.
But how did Athenian democracy with its groundbreaking principles of citizen participation in public affairs change the course of history?
Cleisthenes and reforms that gave birth to Athenian democracy
The birth of Athenian democracy was an event in history like no other. It did not evolve overnight but rather emerged as a structured response against the ever-declining powers of aristocracy in Athenian society. This democratic experiment began in the early 5th century BC.
It turned out to be a radical shift towards self-governance of the people, something that had been entirely unheard of until that time.
Under this new and radical idea, the power and responsibility of decision-making were entrusted to the hands of the Athenian citizens themselves rather than a select few. This was done in complete opposition to the norm up to that particular time, which had it that the principle of power belonged to a select “excellent” few, otherwise also referred to as aristocrats (“aristokrates”).
At the heart of this transformation were visionaries such as Cleisthenes and Pericles. These bright minds of ancient Greece contributed much to this democratic process that would change the world forever.
Cleisthenes is often hailed as the “father of Athenian democracy.” He was the politician who introduced radical reforms that fundamentally changed the political landscape of Athens around 508 BC.
His reforms aimed at dismantling the untouched—until then—elite and their power structures in Athens. After all, the aristocratic elites had dominated Athenian and Greek politics in general for decades.
The significance of Cleisthenes’ reform
By reorganizing the citizens of the city into ten new tribes, Cleisthenes reshaped the core of Athenian society. The people of the city were no longer organized into groups based on their place of residence rather than lineage or wealth.
Cleisthenes effectively dismantled the influence of noble families in a move that was unthinkable and would not be seen again for centuries in Europe.
The reform of Cleisthenes redistributed power more evenly among citizens of Athens. This reorganization had a two-fold effect on Athenian politics. Not only did it weaken the aristocracy’s grip on power, but it also promoted a sense of unity and equality among the common person in Athens. Athenians felt they finally belonged to groups where everyone was equal rather than classes in which inequality reigned.
Cleisthenes’ visionary approach
Central to these fundamentally democratic reforms was also the establishment of the Council of 500, or Boule (also “Vouli,” as the modern Greek Parliament is likewise known). This body was composed of fifty members from each of the ten newly established tribes. Its members were selected annually by lot, a process known as sortition.
This method of selection was truly revolutionary, as it allowed for a more equitable representation of the diverse population of Athens in the city’s decision-making bodies. In other words, everyone had a role to play in the government of Athens.
The main duty of the Council was to prepare legislation for the Assembly (Ekklesia) to vote on. Furthermore, it oversaw the administration of the state and managed foreign relations with other Greek city-states or civilizations further away, among other duties.
Citizen participation
The Council’s role was extremely important in facilitating direct citizen engagement in the legislative process of Athens. This allowed Athenians to have a say in the laws that governed their own lives, a notion fundamentally radical and innovative at the particular time in human history.
Furthermore, the Assembly itself gained more powers under Cleisthenes’ reforms. It became the principal body of governance and decided on laws, policies, and war-related topics. Such direct participation was unprecedented and formed the basis of what we now call “direct democracy.”
Together, the Council of 500 and the Assembly became the focal points of Cleisthenes’ democratic reforms in ancient Athens. Both bodies enabled a shift from aristocratic rule to a system where ordinary citizens had the ultimate power over the laws of their land.
This was a clear diversion from previous systems of governance and laid the foundational principles of democracy, changing the world as we know it forever.
Pericles, the statesman who strengthened Athenian democracy
With democratic zeal, Pericles further expanded on the democratic foundations laid out by Cleisthenes. His work deepened the democratic character of Athens in profound ways. His tenure in the 5th century BC is often considered as “the Golden Age of Athenian democracy.”
This time was marked by significant cultural, architectural, and political advancements that continue to inspire us all to this day. The democratic reforms of Pericles aimed to bolster participation in decision-making at all levels of Athenian society.
His goal was to ensure that democracy was not just a privilege for the wealthy or the nobility but a right accessible to all citizens of Athens. One of Pericles’ most notable contributions to Athenian democracy was the introduction of stipends for public officials.
It was a move designed to democratize access to public service. Prior to this, holding public office was largely a task of the wealthy. This was because only they could afford to take time away from their work to serve the state.
The importance of Pericles’ policies
By providing financial assistance for those serving in public positions, Pericles ensured that even the poorest could afford to participate in the governance of their city. This effectively removed economic barriers to public service and allowed almost every class of free citizens in ancient Athens to participate in the democratic process.
Moreover, through these reforms, Pericles attempted to make the judicial system a fairer institution for all. It was through the introduction of public pay for jurors that Pericles effectively democratized the judicial system of Athens, as well.
This allowed for a stronger sense of civic duty towards Athenians’ city, as individuals could take part in the crucial aspects of governance and justice without financial strain or work-related obstacles.
Of course, such forms were also accompanied by the construction of monumental public works, such as the Parthenon. These eternal monuments not only glorified Athens but also provided much-needed employment for many citizens, who thrived because of this construction boom.
It was, effectively, what we would today call a huge infrastructure project that completely modernized Athens. Pericles’ era was also characterized by an explosion in the arts, philosophy, and drama. These were supported by the state and contributed to a vibrant public life for Athenians.
Core principles of Athenian democracy
The Athenian Assembly, known as the “Ekklesia” was the real proof of the commitment of ancient Athens to inclusivity for all free citizens.
The Assembly allowed all male citizens to express their opinions and freely determine their own lives. They were also able to participate in the decision-making process for public and foreign affairs of their city. This practice of direct democracy, whereby decisions were made by the many rather than the few, is mirrored in today’s democratic institutions through elections and referenda.
In the US today, town hall meetings are especially reminiscent of the practices of ancient Athens, as people are able to express their own opinions on matters and ask politicians crucial questions of top priority for them. Though modern democracies predominantly operate under representative systems, the core of Athenian direct involvement is still present in our lives in many forms.
Another crucial element of Athenian democracy was what the Greeks to this day call “isonomia,” or equality before the law. The principle of isonomia introduced the revolutionary idea that all citizens, regardless of their background or social status, were equal under the law.
This concept of legal equality fundamentally altered the norms of the time and profoundly influenced the development of the rule of law in modern societies. Today, this principle is broadly enshrined in constitutions and legal frameworks around the globe. It is the cornerstone of judicial Western systems and is evidence of the extent to which ancient Athens paved the way to the formation of our modern Western societies.
The fundamental right of freedom of speech
Another crucial element of the democratic tradition of Athens that has found its way to today’s societies is that of freedom of speech. The Athenian agora was a vibrant hub of public life. It was not only the center of economic life but also a forum for open debate and discussion. One could argue that it was the time’s :real-life social media.”
There, citizens engaged in heated discussions on all types of public matters. It was the cornerstone of free speech and open dialogue, where everyone’s opinion was valued and respected. The tradition has directly evolved into the modern principle of freedom of speech. Today it is considered a fundamental right in democracies worldwide and protects the public’s ability to debate, criticize, and engage in public life.
Challenges and evolution of Athenian democracy
Despite its pure ideals, Athenian democracy was far from perfect. We all know that what today seems unthinkable—its exclusion of women, for instance—was perfectly acceptable in ancient Athens.
Nonetheless, it wasn’t just women who had to endure such traditions. Slaves and metics (non-citizen residents) were also barred from participating in the political process. Such limitations highlight the difficulties in implementing true egalitarian governance, particularly in ancient times.
Indeed, it wasn’t too long ago when women were still unable to vote in modern societies, as well. Of course, modern democratic practices have sought to address such shortcomings. Our societies have broadened the scope of participation and extended rights to include a wider segment of the population in the democratic process.
The principles of democratic Athens continue to be a source of inspiration for our modern democratic societies. With its groundbreaking emphasis on citizen participation, equality before the law, and freedom of speech, the ancient Greeks of Athens passed on ideals still worth fighting for to this very day.
