Question

How did democracy arise in ancient greece?

Answer 1

Democracy in ancient Greece (Athens, in particular) arose through the influence of a statesman named Solon who made laws prohibited the enslavement of debtors, and then even more so through the leadership of Cleisthenes, who presented a constitution in 508.

Solon (640-558 BC) did not originate democracy in Athens, but did take steps that led in that direction. According to the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, "While Solonian reforms did not establish democracy, they were a crucial step on the Athenian road to democracy. Solon's constitution, consisting of moderate redistribution rather than a revolutionary transfer of political power, nonetheless granted important rights to the lowest class of citizens."

Cleisthenes (570-508 BC) is known as the founder of Greek democracy. He aligned himself with the Assembly (of the people) against the aristocracy and managed to impose democratic reforms by means of a new constitution that was approved by the Assembly and implemented in 508 BC.

Answer 2

Democracy in ancient Greece rose when Cleisthenes, an Athenian leader during 507 BC led a new political system in order to modify their current government and the aristocratic rules. The new organized body of political system was called demokratia which means “rule by the people”. This political structure is comprised by three independent departments:
1. The ekklesia which is the institution responsible for governing laws and decrees
2. The boule which composes the ten Athenian tribes –representative councils
3. The dikasteria in which is like today’s court However this political system of the ancient Greece lasted only for two centuries it was one of the major sources of today’s leading government forms.