Influence of Ancient Greece
The Greek city-state of Athens governed itself through a direct democracy, a system of government in which all citizens participate in government through casting a vote (DeLorenzo, 2000). Participation in Athenian democracy was mandatory for all citizens, punishable by monetary fines and physical public humiliation. Athens was unique among Greek city-states because it had one of the largest democracies in terms of population. Responsibilities of citizens in Athens included attending meetings, voting, and serving in office when necessary. Athens was small enough to be a pure democracy, but as it grew, electing representatives became more practical (Independence Hall Association, 2014a).
There were three distinct bodies that made up Athenian government: the ekklesia, responsible for writing laws and creating foreign policy; the boule, a council of representatives from each tribe; and the dikasteria, an open court in which citizens argued cases before a jury (History.com Staff, 2010). These three bodies carried out unique functions essential to the survival of this form of government, and although Greece ultimately became an aristocracy, its original experiment in a government “run by the people” was largely a success. The idea of three branches of government is one that the United States operates on today.
There were three distinct bodies that made up Athenian government: the ekklesia, responsible for writing laws and creating foreign policy; the boule, a council of representatives from each tribe; and the dikasteria, an open court in which citizens argued cases before a jury (History.com Staff, 2010). These three bodies carried out unique functions essential to the survival of this form of government, and although Greece ultimately became an aristocracy, its original experiment in a government “run by the people” was largely a success. The idea of three branches of government is one that the United States operates on today.
This graphic organizer shows the power structure of Athenian democracy. Note that the heliaea and dikasteria are the same group, just by different names. Can you see how this influenced United States government? It has three branches as well.