The birth of Western Civilization can be traced back to the Greeks and Romans of ancient times. They organized their societies, creating institutions and ideas that have been passed on generation to generation. Our ideas about republican and democratic governments were created by these ancient cultures and have shaped our modern government.
Each culture had individual impacts on the way we live today. Athens developed democracy to achieve peace by allowing citizens to take part in the city-state’s governments. The three major bodies that made up the Athenian government included the Assembly, the People’s Court, and the Council of 500. In this new government no group could become too powerful.
The Assembly was made up of all male Athenian Citizens who wanted to discuss and vote on everyday aspects of life. The Council of 500 were chosen annually, and once they had participated, they could not participate again. They were paid for their participation which made it so that even poor individuals could stop work and have a say in what laws were passed. To ensure a fair trial to citizens, the People’s Court was developed and made up of juries of citizens who would determine the outcome.
The Roman Republic was a form of government in which elected officials governed the state and were responsible to the voters who elect them. The major political bodies in the Roman Republic included the office of Consul, the Senate, and the assemblies. Only men participated in government by holding office or by voting; women were excluded from formal political activity by law. The Consuls set taxes, initiated legislation, and commanded the army, however their power was limited by being elected annually and being able to veto the other Colsul’s actions. The Senate consisted of men who controlled financial and foreign affairs. They couldn’t formally make laws, only decrees. The two of the most significant assemblies included the Centuriate Assembly (primarily a military... [continues]
Each culture had individual impacts on the way we live today. Athens developed democracy to achieve peace by allowing citizens to take part in the city-state’s governments. The three major bodies that made up the Athenian government included the Assembly, the People’s Court, and the Council of 500. In this new government no group could become too powerful.
The Assembly was made up of all male Athenian Citizens who wanted to discuss and vote on everyday aspects of life. The Council of 500 were chosen annually, and once they had participated, they could not participate again. They were paid for their participation which made it so that even poor individuals could stop work and have a say in what laws were passed. To ensure a fair trial to citizens, the People’s Court was developed and made up of juries of citizens who would determine the outcome.
The Roman Republic was a form of government in which elected officials governed the state and were responsible to the voters who elect them. The major political bodies in the Roman Republic included the office of Consul, the Senate, and the assemblies. Only men participated in government by holding office or by voting; women were excluded from formal political activity by law. The Consuls set taxes, initiated legislation, and commanded the army, however their power was limited by being elected annually and being able to veto the other Colsul’s actions. The Senate consisted of men who controlled financial and foreign affairs. They couldn’t formally make laws, only decrees. The two of the most significant assemblies included the Centuriate Assembly (primarily a military... [continues]
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