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Was Athens Truly a Democracy? - Online Essays

Was Athens Truly a Democracy?

Carol Chou 11B
World History
December 19, 2010

Was Athens Truly a Democracy?

Around 500 BCE in ancient Greece, the city-state of Athens declared itself as a “democracy.” However, does Athens actually live up to its name as the world’s first true democracy? There are many factors of the Athenian government and its political system which raise questions about the legitimacy of the “world’s first democracy.” Athenian democracy lacked fundamental and crucial aspects of a democracy, such as equality and the right to vote for government officials through elections. It is also viewed by many historians as a continuation of the same political system, which existed in civilizations 2000 ...

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does the Athenian government really offer these rights to its citizens?
The Athenian government claims itself to be a democracy; however, it lacked one of the fundamental aspects of a democracy – equality. In Athens, only a small percentage of the population had the right to vote. Also, women were treated poorly. They did not have same rights and opportunities as the Athenian government said they would. Women did not have the right to vote, own property, nor did they have the right and opportunity to hold government positions. They were excluded from political rights and life and were also dependent on their husbands and fathers. They were stuck at home to do house chores rather than going to school to receive the same education the men did. Women were not the only on that were excluded by the government. “Slaves, resident aliens, women, and male citizens under the age of twenty were denied these privileges” The presence of slavery contradicts the principle of freedom and ...

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PAPER DETAILS
Added: 3/21/2011 07:56:52 AM
Submitted By: caroll_chou
Category: World History
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 663
Pages: 3

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