ROOTS OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

Ancient Greece and Rome

Democracy in Athens

Athens was a Greek city-state that began to practice the idea of democracy- rule by the people

All citizens could participate in the government- citizenship was limited to men who were born in Athens who were free

Direct democracy- government and decisions of government are made by the citizens themselves

Roman Government and the Republic

509 B.C- beginning of the Roman Republic A republic is a government where the people choose

representatives to make decisions and govern on their behalf

Roman republic begins as a system dominated by the wealthy class, but gradually ordinary citizens begin to be able to contribute

Roman republic eventually becomes an empire led by an emperor. People will come to believe that a government based on democracy can not last in a large territory

The Fall of Rome and Europe’s “Dark Ages” The fall of the Roman empire circa 500 AD

results in the decline of strong government, a decline in learning and education, and a decline in trade

The Christian church becomes the major source of learning and organization for Western Europe

Most of the advanced societies are in the East- China, India, and the Islamic World

The Renaissance (Rebirth)

European travel to the East (mainly through the Crusades) leads to awareness of learning in the East and a desire for goods that are available

Increase of trade leads to an increased need for educated people- a “rebirth” of learning happens leading to new interest in art, science, and culture

Invention of the printing press leads to an increased number of people who can read and a major increase in knowledge

Lasting Contributions of Greece and Rome Greek philosophy- what is the good life- how

can we attain it? First serious thoughts about the ideal form of

government Roman law and the legal system- laws

throughout the empire applied to all Systems of organization- roads,

transportation networks, city organization

Other Forerunners of American Democracy: English traditions of limiting monarchy’s

power: Magna Carta, Petition of Right, English Bill of Rights

Enlightenment Philosophy: Natural Rights, Separation of Powers, First Amendment Rights, Skepticism of authority