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Type of constitution established in Athens 413 B.C.

Success and failure in governing
How long did it last?
A) Oligarchy
B) Democracy
C) Monarchy
D) Tyranny

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The constitution established in Athens around 413 B.C. was an oligarchy. Athenian democracy was notable for its direct citizen participation and influenced future governmental structures, but faced criticism for potentially neglecting the interests of the whole. It lasted until around 322 BCE before transitioning to autocratic forms of governance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of constitution established in Athens around 413 B.C. was oligarchy. An oligarchy meant that rule was conducted by a few wealthy citizens. This was a departure from the more open democratic system Athens was known for since democracy's high point under Pericles in the fifth century BCE. An oligarchy was often established as a compromise to prevent civil strife between different social classes and was considered more stable than tyranny, which had no rule of law. One of the distinctive aspects of Athenian democracy was the direct participation of citizens in voting on laws and government matters, which was a significant move away from the monarchic and oligarchic systems that characterized earlier periods and some of Athens' neighbors.

The success of the Athenian democracy stemmed from its ability to incorporate the views of its citizens directly in the legislative process. However, it was often criticized, including by philosophers like Aristotle, for potentially serving the interests of the majority over the whole. The eventual failure of Athenian democracy was seen in various forms, such as the execution of Socrates and the susceptibility to demagoguery. Nevertheless, the Athenian democracy remains a foundational model in the study of democratic governance and inspired future forms of government, including modern republics.

The democracy in Athens, after various transitions, lasted until around 322 BCE, after which it was eventually overtaken by more autocratic forms of governance due to both internal and external pressures.

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