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What Is Ancient Athens A Democracy?

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What Is Ancient Athens A Democracy?
In the Ancient Grecian culture there were various political systems in use depending on the city or Poleis. Today we shall take a look at the following systems monarchy, aristocracy, tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy, there were some others but these will be our focus.
Interestingly enough while we think of ancient Athens as being a democracy it wasn't always so, it eventually evolved into a democratic nation, but between the 8th to 6th century, Athens was ruled by aristocracy and according to The Athenian Aristocracy (n.d), the constitution read as follows “Appointment to the supreme offices of state went by birth and wealth; and they were held at first for life, and after wards for a term of ten years. (Athenian Constitution 3.1)” Aristocratic families ruled and most of the Athenian citizens had no say in the rules that governed their everyday life. Eventually the the aritocratic familes started fighting for more power or authority and this system gave way to a tyrannical rule. …show more content…
While the rule of Peisistratus seemed to be peaceful, Cartledge, (2011, paragraph 3), after his eldest son took over, that's when Athens political system evolved to a more democratic system which was primarily established by Cleisthenes. According to Cartledge, (2011, paragraph 3) Cleisthenes rebelled and championed a movement, against the oppressive tyrannical leadership of Peisistratus' son. It was that movement that ushered in a democratic system, which was further strengthened after Athens resisted Persian attacks and empowered the poorer Athenian men to pursue more political influence. Consequently they did receive more leverage, although the higher offices still went to more prosperous Athenian born males. While the common Athenian male had some rights and votes this democracy still eliminated females and foreign born males who were left without any leverage or vote for that
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