Abstract This paper reviews the political system of Ancient Greece known as Athenian democracy. It looks at the functions of the two bodies that were assigned government functions - the Assembly and the Council. It compares these functions with those of contemporary functions - non-executive head of state; executive head of state, ministers and legislative body. The scope and development of the political system of democracy during this period is also analyzed.
From the Paper "Democracy comes from two Greek words, first a noun, demos; meaning ''people'' and second a verb, kratein, meaning ''to rule.'' However, the fundamental meaning of democracy is ''government by the people" or "rule by the ruled (Aristotle, 23).'' As a word it has its foundation from Greek, so one has to refer to ancient Greece in order to find its origin and basic meaning. The 5th century Athens of the city-state was the originator and leading practitioner of democracy. Hence for about 4,000 years men lived under the forms of government other than democratic. However, it all started in the mid of the 5th century before Christ in Athens. Therefore, democracy as a theory and actual system of government has existed for almost 2500 years, with changeable degrees of constancy between both theory and practice (Aristotle, 24)."
Abstract This paper provides an insightful review and analysis of the major events leading up to the Peloponnesian War. It also compares the Spartan and Athenian ways of life and determines if war was inevitable.
From the Paper "Epidamnus was the catalyst for the war. Epidamnus sought aid from Corinth in a rebellion against Corcyra. A civil war broke out between the democrats and the oligarchs in Epidamnus. Epidamnian democrats appealed to Corcyra for aid and were refused. The oligarchy which ruled Corcyra was sympathetic to Sparta but there was a considerable democratic element which favored joining the Athenian empire. Delphi oracle advised Epidamnus to seek Corinthian aid. Corinth sent aid because Corcyra represented a threat to Corinthian commercial interests. Corcyra demanded that Corinthian's cease aid to Epidamnus, Corinth refused. Corcyra attacked Epidamnus, Corinth prepared to attack Corcyra. "
