Early Athenian and Modern American Democracy essays

Early Athenian and Modern American Democracy essays Today's democratic governments owe a lot to the democratic model of ancient Athens. The Athenian's early attempt at an equal upstanding government that was controlled by the citizens was like nothing the world had ever seen, and it served as a model for all the democratic governments that came after it, including the United States. Although there are many significant differences between the direct democracy of Athens and the representative democracy of the United States, many characteristics of Athenian democracy are found in the United States government of today. The United States of America's model of democracy is similar to that of the Ancient Greek city-state of Athens model. These democracies have both similarities and differences. The founding fathers of the United States borrowed many ideas from the Athenian model of democracy when modeling the United States and its framework. Some of these similarities include three branch government and limits on voter participation. Althoug h they had many things in common they also had stark differences in terms of qualifications for government positions, how government representatives could voice their opinions, eligibility to vote, and elected officials In ancient Greece, Athens was the most sophisticated of the Greek City-States, and through this sophistication, the Athenians established the world's first democratic constitution. The Athenian constitution is called a democratic due to its emphasis on the interests of the people instead of on the minority. The constitution made it to where everyone is equal under the law no matter what their position or class; this was adopted by the United States. No one, so long as he has it in him to be of service to the state, is kept in political obscurity because of poverty. (Thuc. 2.37) The Athenian leader, Pericles expanded democracy in Athens. Athens was shaped by Pericles; it was during his lifetime that the greatest achievements of the Greeks ...