Final answer:
The two key ideas forming the basis of ancient democracy are popular sovereignty, emphasizing power originates from the people, and rotation of power, which allows for the ruling status to change hands peacefully in a cycle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two key ideas mentioned in the question, as the basis of ancient democracy, are popular sovereignty and the concept of rotation of power. These ideas relate to the belief that citizens are free when they live by their own rules and have an equal opportunity to both rule and be ruled in turn.
Popular sovereignty is a core tenet of democracy, emphasizing that power originates from the people. In the context of ancient Athens, this meant that free adult male citizens had the right to participate in decision-making assemblies. Indeed, the principle of 'We, the People' being the ultimate source of political power is still a cornerstone of democratic theory today.
The concept of a rotation of power is closely tied to the idea of rule and being ruled in turn. In a functioning democracy, leadership isn't fixed but can change hands peacefully via elections. For example, in the United States, this concept is manifested in the regular elections that allow citizens to choose their representatives, effectively determining who will hold positions of power.
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