Ancient Greece Political Systems and Law

• Main forms of government in ancient Greek city-states


  • Monarchy: rule by kings (e.g. Macedonia)
  • Oligarchy: rule by a group of nobles (e.g. Sparta)
  • Democracy: rule by the people (e.g. Athens)
• The level of citizens' participation in politics varied
• Monarchy


  The first type of government found in Ancient Greece
• Monarchy

  • Kings had total control of the decision-making process
  • Ruled with absolute power
  • Controlled the army
  • Led the people in performing religious rituals
• Oligarchy


  Rule by a small group of people
• Monarchy -> Oligarchy

  • Nobles were the elites/influential and owned most of the lands and wealth
  • Provided money and weapons in times of wars
  • After the 8th century BC, most ancient Greek city-states were ruled by nobles. This form of government led by a small group of people was called ‘Oligarchy’.
• Sparta's oligarchy

  There were still kings, but the Council of Elders got the highest power
• Spartan oligarchy


  • Council of Elders: 30 members. Apart from the two kings, 28 elders were chosen from nobles aged over 60 (more experienced and wisdom)
  • Council could propose, withdraw and re-submit the bills again, meaning the Assembly could not reject any bills
  • Ephors: 5 overseers, all citizens were eligible to run in the election, they supervised/checked and balanced the kings and helped run the government
  • Assembly: Formed by Spartan citizens, elected the elders and ephors, voted on bills proposed by the Council but had no right to discuss them
• Athenian democracy


  Rule by the people / Rule of all citizen
• Although only citizens could take part in governance, Athenian democracy was the most open political system in Ancient Greece.
• Today, the political systems of many countries learn from the Athenian democratic system of 'public participation' and 'secret ballot'
• Who were citizens in ancient Greece


  • Free adult men who were born in and lived in the city-states, including nobles and commoners
  • Not citizens: adult women, children, slaves, foreigners, prisoners
• Greek citizens were protected by the law, enjoyed many rights, had the right to vote and be elected as officials, but had to pay taxes and serve in the army
• The Assembly


  • Formed by all Athenian citizens
  • Could discuss, vote to accept or reject the bills proposed by the Council
• People's Court


  • Consisted of 6,000 jurors chosen from among the citizens by lots
  • Each group (formed by 600 jurors) would be in charge of a court
• Council


  • Consisted of 500 citizens

  • Drafted bills for the Assembly to vote on
• Officials


  • Chosen by lots among citizens

  • Serve no longer than one year

  • Had to report on their work to the citizens at the end of the year
• Athenian Democracy

  • Athens is known as the birthplace of democracy

  • The word ‘democracy’ was formed from the ancient Greek words ‘demos’ (people) and ‘kratia’ (rule), meaning ‘rule by the people’
• Athenian Democracy


  • The Assembly was the decision-making body

  • All citizens regardless of wealth could join the Assembly and vote (included secret ballot) on bills

  • They can also be elected as officials by lots
• Athens Law


  Athens carried out legal reforms to protect civil rights
• Legal reforms in Athens

  • All people would be tried by a public court
  • Jurors would be chosen from different classes
• Why are there jurors? This ensured the fairness of the trial
• The Athenians placed great value on civil rights and law
• The Romans learned their idea of the rule of law from the Athenians
• Many modern countries adopt the jury system which makes the legal system more open and just
• Reasons to having Oligarchy and Democracy

  Oligarchy:

  • Prevent absolute rule
  • Emphasis on wars
  • Small group of people could make faster decisions
  • A highly centralized government in order to rule a large population of slaves
• Democracy:

  • Engaged in trade, wealthier and had a more stable life
  • Wanted more power from nobles
  • Wanted to enjoy freedom