The document summarizes the history of government in Athens. It begins with Athens being ruled by kings, then aristocrats forming an oligarchy. Dissatisfaction grew and reforms established more inclusive laws, but tyrants also rose to power temporarily. Finally, Cleisthenes established the first democracy in Athens in 500 BC, granting citizens rights to participate in assemblies and vote. Over time, participation in democracy expanded further, though Macedonian conquest limited Athenian self-governance by the mid-300s BC.

1. Government in
Athens
Social Studies for 9th E.G.B. | Teacher:
Mauricio Torres

2. Democracy
 Type of government in which people rule
themselves.
 The word comes from: “the rule of the
people”.

3. Rule by the “Few”
 Even Athens, the city where democracy was
born, began with a different type of
government.
 First, kings ruled.
 Later, a group of rich
landowners, aristocrats, took power.
 A government in which a few people
have power is called an oligarchy.
 These people ran business, served as
generals, judges and dominated Athenian
society.

4. First signs of dissent
 In the 600s BC, a group of rebels sought to
overthrow the aristocrats. They failed!
 However, a man named Draco created a set of
very harsh laws for Athens. Even the simplest
of crimes could be punishable by death.
 That’s is why today, when we have very
strict or harsh laws, we call the “Draconian
Measures”.
 Later on the 590s BC, a man named Solon,
created another set of laws, which were less
harsh.
 One of these first laws declared that all free
men living in Athens were to become
citizens (people who had the right to
participate in government).

5. The Rise of the Tyrants
 In 546 a noble named Peisistratus overthrew
the oligarchy and became the ruler of
Athens.
 He held power through the use of force,
making him a tyrant.
 Today this term is used to call a ruler
who is harsh.
 Back in Athens, they were usually good
leaders: they had support from the
people.
 He brought peace and prosperity to the
city.

6. Athens creates Democracy
 After the tyrants vanished, aristocrats came
back to power.
 In 500 BC, one of them: Cleisthenes gained
power.
 He was an aristocrat who thought they
had too much influence.
 With the support of the people he
overthrew the aristocracy, once and for all.
 Under his leadership, they developed the
first democracy.

7. Democracy 1.0
 All citizens had the right to participate in
assemblies, gatherings to create laws.
 The assembly met outside so that everyone
could attend.
 Every citizen had the right to speak or give
an opinion.
 After the meetings were over, people voted.
 They raised their hands or voted secretly.

8. Changes in Democracy
 Pericles, a brilliant leader, encouraged
people to take part in democracy and have
pride in their city.
 He believed participating in government
was just as important as defending the city
during war.
 He began to pay people who served in
public offices or juries.
 Pericles encouraged the people to introduce
democracy all around Greece.

9. The Bitter End
 In the mid 330s BC, Macedonians
conquered Athens.
 Phillip II was their king.
 The Macedonians kept a tight grip on their
subjects and would leave little space for
them to maneuver.
 The Athenians kept a democratic
government, but with very limited powers.
 They weren’t happy with this situation, but
they did not want to make Philip angry.

10. Ask Yourselves
 Describe
 What were Greek tyrants like?
 What is a tyrant?
 Who were the following:
 Draco, Pericles, Cleisthenes and
Peisistratus?
 Explain:
 Why was Athens at one point considered an
Oligarchy?
 How was democracy finally installed in
Athens?
 Draw Conclusions:
 Why did many Athenians support the rule of
tyrants?
 Why doesn’t Ecuador establish a direct
democracy?

11. Homework
 Slogans for rulers:
1. Select one of the rulers/characters
mentioned on this unit.
2. Create a “campaign” poster that contains
a slogan for this ruler.
 Use vocabulary from this unit.
3. Remember: you want to have him
elected for Athens’ next elections!
4. It doesn´t matter what type of political
ideas he may like
(oligarchy, democracy, tyranny, etc)
5. Bring it next class on an A4 white piece
of paper. Be creative and have fun!

12. Homework examples:

13. Bibliography
 Mr Donn. (n.d.). Sparta. Retrieved 07 20,
2012, from Mr Donn:
http://greece.mrdonn.org/sparta.html
 Mr Donn. (n.d.). Athens. Retrieved 07 2012,
2012, from Mr Donn:
http://greece.mrdonn.org/athens.html
 Images taken from Google.