New form of Government in Athens By: Aidanus Leeus 507 B.C.E
A public voting event. Some guys are just photogenic.
That's right Athenians, its time to say goodbye to monarchies, oligarchies, and tyrannies as democracy takes over! Democracy means "rule by people" or "power to the people." Why such a name? Well, democracy gives power to us! Now we can make the decisions around here, not those greedy kings, aristocrats, or tyrants. Not that I'm implying that all of them were harsh but a good number of them were. What decisions can we make you ask? Well just about anything! We the People ( free males who are over the age of 18), can vote on laws or who leads us! That also means that anyone can suggest a law and it might get taken into action! Democracy was created by Cleisthenes who is an Athenian leader and we thank him very much! Now instead of complaining and trying to throw tyrants over with other tyrants because of their decisions, we males can have a say in things! If the majority of us vote for one thing then that law or leader will be put into place. Why did Cleisthenes create democracy you ask? Well, the people wanted to make the decisions around the place instead of letting some random tyrant make it, which he/she might not even take into action. Some tyrants just say they're gonna do things that people want just to get in power, which is not what the people wanted. That is part of the reason why democracy was created. However only Athens are using this system of government so far, I hope many other city-states will adapt to this so every male will have a say in how things are going to be run. We have an exclusive interview with an Athenian citizen who supports this idea of government, and he has never missed a public event in his life, so, here is Stevus.
A:" So Stevus, tell us about the previous forms of government."
S:" Well, Aidanus, monarchies were where only one person had power, and that person was the king. Even though there was a queen, the king made all the decisions and all the laws. If the king died, power would be handed down to the eldest son, keeping the power in the family. This form of government was the earliest made in Greece. It lasted from 2000 to 800 B.C.E but didn't last because of many reasons. The first of many reasons are that one single king could not defend an entire area of people. His land was probably easily invaded frequently as well. People also did not like the decisions the king was making. Such as collecting taxes more frequently or banning a certain thing that many people love to do. The last reason I will talk about is that the wealthy families who helped the king persuade the people about how good the decisions he made wanted a share in power. Soon, groups of nobles were governing city-states instead of just one single man. Thus, a new form of government was formed called 'oligarchy.' The term 'oligarchy' means 'rule by few.' The difference between oligarchy and monarchy is that oligarchy, is a form of government when a group of aristocrats or those who were considered the best people ruled; instead of only one man. This form of government was made in Sparta in the year 800 B.C.E. They didn't last because different dilemmas arose in a variety of city-states. The aristocrats just couldn't handle these problems. Some regions also grew too big and there wasn't enough food for everyone.The next and final form of government before democracy was 'tyranny' which means 'ruler who governs in a harsh way.' Some of these ruthless leaders were actually liked! The tyrants who were liked let the people have a say in things while others were harsh and greedy. Power was taken by force in tyranny, people would overthrow one tyrant to let another one in. Before they overthrow a tyrant to let in another they need the tyrant who wants power o give them reasons. He takes people's suggestions but sometimes doesn't actually put them into action. Most of them ruled with an 'iron fist.'
A:" Now, tell us why you support the idea of a democracy."
S:" A democracy not only lets people like me vote, but it treats everyone equally. There are no aristocrats, kings, or tyrants to put in laws we don't even want or like. Its just us and the leader."
A:" Thank you Stevus for your time."
S:" No problem! Don't forget to go to the meeting tomorrow. If you don't we'll find you and slash you with paint!"
In conclusion, many people favor democracy than monarchies, tyrannies, and oligarchies. I too favor democracy more than the others because I can actually vote to lower the taxes! Democracy looks like a bright future for Athens, Greece, future generations, and hopefully other civilizations. Democracy will inspire many around the world to improve this system and I hope it will be used for many generations to come.
A:" So Stevus, tell us about the previous forms of government."
S:" Well, Aidanus, monarchies were where only one person had power, and that person was the king. Even though there was a queen, the king made all the decisions and all the laws. If the king died, power would be handed down to the eldest son, keeping the power in the family. This form of government was the earliest made in Greece. It lasted from 2000 to 800 B.C.E but didn't last because of many reasons. The first of many reasons are that one single king could not defend an entire area of people. His land was probably easily invaded frequently as well. People also did not like the decisions the king was making. Such as collecting taxes more frequently or banning a certain thing that many people love to do. The last reason I will talk about is that the wealthy families who helped the king persuade the people about how good the decisions he made wanted a share in power. Soon, groups of nobles were governing city-states instead of just one single man. Thus, a new form of government was formed called 'oligarchy.' The term 'oligarchy' means 'rule by few.' The difference between oligarchy and monarchy is that oligarchy, is a form of government when a group of aristocrats or those who were considered the best people ruled; instead of only one man. This form of government was made in Sparta in the year 800 B.C.E. They didn't last because different dilemmas arose in a variety of city-states. The aristocrats just couldn't handle these problems. Some regions also grew too big and there wasn't enough food for everyone.The next and final form of government before democracy was 'tyranny' which means 'ruler who governs in a harsh way.' Some of these ruthless leaders were actually liked! The tyrants who were liked let the people have a say in things while others were harsh and greedy. Power was taken by force in tyranny, people would overthrow one tyrant to let another one in. Before they overthrow a tyrant to let in another they need the tyrant who wants power o give them reasons. He takes people's suggestions but sometimes doesn't actually put them into action. Most of them ruled with an 'iron fist.'
A:" Now, tell us why you support the idea of a democracy."
S:" A democracy not only lets people like me vote, but it treats everyone equally. There are no aristocrats, kings, or tyrants to put in laws we don't even want or like. Its just us and the leader."
A:" Thank you Stevus for your time."
S:" No problem! Don't forget to go to the meeting tomorrow. If you don't we'll find you and slash you with paint!"
In conclusion, many people favor democracy than monarchies, tyrannies, and oligarchies. I too favor democracy more than the others because I can actually vote to lower the taxes! Democracy looks like a bright future for Athens, Greece, future generations, and hopefully other civilizations. Democracy will inspire many around the world to improve this system and I hope it will be used for many generations to come.