Compare And Contrast The Four Forms Of Greek Government

In this paper I will compare and contrast several forms of governments as forms of government in Ancient Greek city-states. The five forms of government are;

Monarchy, aristocracy, tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy.

Let's start with the statement that Isocrates makes (Halsall, 1999) about Spartans being "subject to oligarchy at home, to kingship on campaign". Tells us that there was a contrast in how Spartans treated other Spartans and how they treated those they conquered. Oligarchy can be thought of as a rule of businessmen where a kingship can be thought of as a monarchy, hence ruled by a single family. Monarchy, not to be confused with aristocracy which is many wealthy people and families, as opposed to just one family.

Now let's compare tyranny and democracy. Tyranny can be thought of a seized government. One taken by a coup or won after a war. Tyranny is usually a one man show with a charismatic leader and very little input from the people. Democracy in contrast is a government run by the people.

Greece has survived many of the above governments, however, democracy is what it is most remembered for. The Mycenaean were the Greeks first government of monarchies. The Mycenaean ruled Greece by monarchy for almost 1000 years. …show more content…
Ancient Greek democracy did not have a president, so no 1 official would have too much power. In the U.S. many imagine a great war room with the President and one or two generals making military war decisions, in Ancient Greece there were 10 generals making military decisions, including those on war. All in all Ancient Greek Democracy was a government ruled by many people; rich and poor, aristocratic and common, military and artist. The only catch is you had to be male and a citizen. I often wonder if U.S . democracy will every change to incorporate more people of varying backgrounds to rule these United States. A girl can dream, can't