Sociey (Athens & US) essays

Democracy/Sociey (Athens & US) essays In this paper, I will discuss a few aspects of ancient Athenian democracy and society, as well as modern American democracy and society. First, I will outline the key points of Athenian and American democracy, then compare and contrast them. Then Ill do the same for Athenian and American Society, concluding with a comparison between the two societies. The political system of ancient Athens was a democracy. It involved all of its citizens and not merely their representatives by giving them daily access to civic affairs and political power. Both decision-making and decision enforcing were the duty of every citizen, and not just of those elected by them or of their leaders. The citizens of Athens were directly involved not only in government matters but also in matters of justice, as there was no separation of powers in ancient Athens. Although not all persons living in Athens had these political rights, no other democracy in human history provided such a level of participation. This political system, quite innovative for its times, shaped a society of a distinct character, of great sensibility and of unusual cultural achievements. Government functions were assigned to two bodies: The Assembly, which focused on policy decision-making, and the Council, which concentrated on policy implementation and administrative matters. The functi on of an executive head did not exist in ancient Athens, for no one citizen ever held so much power. Closest perhaps was the political practice, which conferred on Perikles a personal impact similar to that of a head of government. This did not derive however from his title of general, but rather from the ability to get continuously re-elected, and to influence his fellow citizens on matters of policy and courses of action pertaining to city affairs. The council (or boule) was the closest body in the Athenian democratic system to that of a contemporary government. The council consisted of 500 citizens,...