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Democracy was first born in ancient Greece in Athens in the 6th century BC. The early democracy was practiced under direct democracy, wherein citizens could take part in the running of the state. Ancient Rome followed a less direct system, with the Senate holding the ultimate decision-making power. Nevertheless, both civilization played a significant role in laying the framework of modern democracy in America. This essay seeks to discuss the forms of democracy present in ancient Athens and Rome and their influence on modern American democracy, highlighting the benefits and possible drawbacks present in each system.
In ancient Athens, democracy was practiced through direct democracy, where citizens could gather in the agora and vote on any state issue. Every citizen had an equal voice during debates, which means that everyone was given a chance to propose any policy that would enhance the state-welfare. However, the direct democracy was only practiced by a small minority of the population; slaves, women, and foreigners were excluded from taking part in the state's governance. The fact that a large section of society was left out from the process means the democracy was not inclusive or representative of the people. The idea of direct democracy, although not practical today, was an inspiration for modern democracy, which recognizes the voice of the people through fair elections and regular participation in governance.
Rome, on the other hand, practiced indirect democracy, where the Senate held the power of making the final decision. The Roman democracy was not as direct as the Athenian system, and the elected representatives were only concerned with passing laws that would benefit the state. While this meant that everyone's views were not considered, it ensured that laws were well thought out and that the state's decisions were not undermined. This system was particularly useful in emergencies when urgent decisions had to be made. The modern-day American democracy operates through an indirect democracy, with the Congress representing the citizens and passing laws for the state.
The ancient Greek democratic system was straightforward but not entirely effective in promoting equality as a large portion of the population was excluded from it. However, it did inspire the modern-day American democracy, which allows everyone to vote regardless of their background, which is a significant benefit of the system. On the other hand, the Roman system focused more on ensuring that laws were well structured, but it did not address the needs of everyone, like Athenian direct democracy.
In conclusion, the forms of democracy present in ancient Athens and Rome influenced democracy in America in different ways. The Athenian system inspired the concept of fair representation and regular participation in governance, as well as emphasizing the need to acknowledge the voice of every citizen. The Roman system provided a model for well-structured governance, with a clear chain of command and decision-making authority holding the final say. These two systems have significantly influenced modern American democracy, with a focus on ensuring that everyone has a voice while prioritizing intelligent decision-making over mob rule. Overall, it is essential to appreciate every system's strengths and limitations while promoting the same values of inclusivity, representation, and thoughtful decision-making.
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