Why Is Cleisthenes Still Relevant Today

Democracy formed in the 1700's and has opened the doors for individuals living in the United States to have a voice towards the principles established. Democracy provided freedom, representation for majority and minorities groups, and posterity.

as to what the people wanted to do. Instead, he took complete control of the

Democracy is known as a system of government when all eligible people of a state can voice their own opinions as well as elect representatives. Democracy is not once mentioned in The Declaration of Independence. Pros of a democracy are, its by the people and for the people. Democracy is meant for everybody to be eligible to vote and they are able to vote. The people are also able to participate in what they think, feel , and voice about the political, social, and economic issues that are presented to them. It's in the people's best interest not just the governments. The goal is to find solutions with decision-makers best interest. The main goal is to is find solutions that are best for the people and regulate conflicts between states and government.  A democracy imposes equality, the people's votes carry the same weight, which makes all individuals to be heard and make them feel as if their opinion is important. Other than in elections of the state a citizens

Democracy focuses on education helping young Americans learn about themselves, as well as, the world around them. By doing this, young people are able to evolve into responsible, positive and

In a democratic government also depends on freedom of press and freedom of assembly. Freedom of press is the occurrences that happen every day that are informed or detailed through television, newspaper, internet, magazines or speech without adding or removing any type of information that do not benefit a particular sector. And also is that the people have the right to have their own type of press to express their ideas. Today, freedom of press is a utopia because every country has their own secrets, and covers important information to their citizens. With freedom of press, the countries will have a perfect government not so perfect but the people need to know the truth. The democratic government is a form of government in which the people, either directly or indirectly, take part in governing. “Democracy is the worst form of government except for all those others that have been tried.” This is because there is no system that can perfectly order society. Usually the purpose of democracy is to prevent tyranny (the accumulation of

For example, in the sixth century B.C., the tyrants of Greece became widely unpopular, and, despite their work to prove otherwise, were seen as oppressive and hindering Greek development. This fall of tyranny in Greece allowed the Greeks a newfound power of participating in their government, in some city-states, this led to democracy, and in others, oligarchy (Spielvogel 114). In the beginning, Athens was led by a king, then turned to an oligarchy. Due to political issues, aristocrats held all power and wealth and peasants were unable to buy land, leading to a rebellion in 510 B.C.. In 512 B.C., backed by the Athenians, Cleisthenes rose to power, creating a council of 500 that proposed laws, and the assembly, made up of Athenian adult males who voted on the laws after debate (Spielvogel 117). Because of these actions, Cleisthenes is credited

exceptionally savvied and talented individual, he was seen to be a typical "Joe." He trusted

There would be no improvement in the country if there was no democracy. I think that is it very important to have one because a country cannot thrive if others opinions are not adhered. Democracy is really what you put into it

A Constitutional Democracy is very important for U.S. citizens. Living in a country that is run by a democracy gives everyone a voice. It allows you to speak out about problems you see in your town, state, or in the nation. It gives everyone the ability to come together as one, and make changes to better suit your lives and the country. E Pluribus Unum (One out of many) is the motto of America. This means even though there are a lot of people in the world, everyone has a voice and your voice can make changes.

the people could make a change if they tried, so he became directly involved in politics to

choice to hold any governmental office, but after taking power he proved many wrong. Many

American Democracy is an important thing in our society. Everybody knows how powerful it can be. It is the most important thing in our Constitution that our Founding Fathers introduced. As citizens in today's society, we all should know about it. We should know the history of it and how it works to understand what our government is doing to us that affects our daily lives.

Martin cites a few examples of tyranny in ancient Greece. One of the earliest recorded accounts occurred on the island of Corinth near 657 B.C.E. A family named the Bacchiads took control from the existing oligarchy. It was during the Bacchiad rule that the city-state developed naval technology and subsequently flourished economically. The rule of the Bacchiads was less successful. They were noted as being loathed for their violent tactics with the Corinth people. A popular citizen, Cypseilus, eventually overthrew the Bacchiads to secure sole rule for himself. Athens also had a tyranny with the rule of Psistratus who rallied wealthy friends and the poor to support his claim to powere. This rule was passed on to his son, Hippias. He was known to appoint friends and family to elite posts. This rule was ended with Cleisthenes (1996, p. 86-87).

The reforms of Cleisthenes established the basis for the Athenian democracy. All citizens enrolled in ten tribes and each tribe chose 50 members by lottery each year for a new council of 500 people. These 500 people had the responsibility to take care of foreign and financial affairs. There was also an assembly of all male citizens, and they had the final authority in passing laws through free and open debate. In Sparta there were two kings who led the army and ruled their city-state. There were five ephors elected each year and they were responsible for the education of the youth and the behavior of citizens. There was also a council of elders that consisted of two kings and 28 citizens over the age of 60. They decided on issues to present to the assembly who were also all male citizens. There was no debate on resolution to these issues, only voting.

He was adorned much as his soldiers were, his rank and status differing from the common soldiery only by the presence of a golden crown set about his conical helm. He wore a knee-length tunic of silvery chainmail set upon a sable robe, tucked into his fur-lined boots. At his waist dangled a longsword, its pommel jeweled and its blade sharp, while his other side carried the kite-shaped shield that many foot soldiers carried. He had a surcoat of brass which gleamed like gold under the sun, giving him a majestic appearance which well suited the divine origins his father and ancestors long placed upon their lineage.