Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to address the differences and similarities between forms of government. More specifically, we will compare monarchy, aristocracy, tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy and talk about how they apply to Ancient Greece. These forms of government can be found in different countries all over the world and have existed for centuries. Like many other things, they have gone through many changes since their beginnings, and variations and even combinations of them have been implemented into governments for many years. Ancient Greece saw the rise and fall of all these forms.
Monarchy
According to Kostiner, a monarchy is “political system based upon the undivided sovereignty…of…an individual ruler who functions as the head of state and who achieves his position through heredity” (2010). Monarchies have been ruling countries for hundreds and hundreds of years with varying levels of political grip. In Ancient Greece, the city-states of Macedonia and Epeiros were notable monarchs who, while maintaining sovereign power, held political assemblies. In this way, they shared some of their power with the people. This practice was also used to some extent in Sparta, however, the kings had less power than the ephors (Cartwright, 2013). Aristocracy An aristocracy is just what you would imagine: rule by the aristocracy. …show more content…
The governing body would consist of wealthy, upper class citizens, usually those had owned a lot of land or had become well-known in battle. Before Athens became a democracy under Solon the Lawgiver, the aristocrats had control over the government entirely. They believed they were the most qualified individuals and would best act in the interest of the state (Agathe.re, n.d.). Tyranny The only thing that separated monarchy from tyranny was, according to Cartledge, the fact that monarchy was hereditary and tyranny was a generally hostile takeover (2011). This situation is usually created when someone who wants to take power, supports and leads a larger group of people, usually the poor, in the hopes of creating a better government for themselves (Johnson, 2012). There are plenty of examples of tyrants in Ancient Greek history. One of the most notable is that of Pesisistratos (also called Peisistratus). In fact, his rule is one that set the road towards democracy in that great city (Cartwright). Oligarchy Oligarchy is the form of government that relies upon a small group – usually meaning the wealthy or educated – to rule the country. In many ways, it is very much like an aristocracy. However, in an oligarchy, the lower class still has a chance to …show more content…
Democracy is probably the most heralded form of government that exists. And why wouldn’t it be? Democracy ensures that citizens have the right to make decisions in the government and create change. Who doesn’t like to be heard? Athens was the first place to implement this method and it was a quite a radical idea at the time. Many aristocrats were not pleased and felt it caused the ruin of Athens. However, democracy in those times was much different than the democracy we know today. It used to be that women and slaves could not vote at all. It only allowed male citizens the right to take part in government. Also, the practice of ostracism was acceptable and very much in practice. In fact, Socrates met his death because of it (Brand,
The purpose of this paper is to address the differences and similarities between forms of government. More specifically, we will compare monarchy, aristocracy, tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy and talk about how they apply to Ancient Greece. These forms of government can be found in different countries all over the world and have existed for centuries. Like many other things, they have gone through many changes since their beginnings, and variations and even combinations of them have been implemented into governments for many years. Ancient Greece saw the rise and fall of all these forms.
Monarchy
According to Kostiner, a monarchy is “political system based upon the undivided sovereignty…of…an individual ruler who functions as the head of state and who achieves his position through heredity” (2010). Monarchies have been ruling countries for hundreds and hundreds of years with varying levels of political grip. In Ancient Greece, the city-states of Macedonia and Epeiros were notable monarchs who, while maintaining sovereign power, held political assemblies. In this way, they shared some of their power with the people. This practice was also used to some extent in Sparta, however, the kings had less power than the ephors (Cartwright, 2013). Aristocracy An aristocracy is just what you would imagine: rule by the aristocracy. …show more content…
The governing body would consist of wealthy, upper class citizens, usually those had owned a lot of land or had become well-known in battle. Before Athens became a democracy under Solon the Lawgiver, the aristocrats had control over the government entirely. They believed they were the most qualified individuals and would best act in the interest of the state (Agathe.re, n.d.). Tyranny The only thing that separated monarchy from tyranny was, according to Cartledge, the fact that monarchy was hereditary and tyranny was a generally hostile takeover (2011). This situation is usually created when someone who wants to take power, supports and leads a larger group of people, usually the poor, in the hopes of creating a better government for themselves (Johnson, 2012). There are plenty of examples of tyrants in Ancient Greek history. One of the most notable is that of Pesisistratos (also called Peisistratus). In fact, his rule is one that set the road towards democracy in that great city (Cartwright). Oligarchy Oligarchy is the form of government that relies upon a small group – usually meaning the wealthy or educated – to rule the country. In many ways, it is very much like an aristocracy. However, in an oligarchy, the lower class still has a chance to …show more content…
Democracy is probably the most heralded form of government that exists. And why wouldn’t it be? Democracy ensures that citizens have the right to make decisions in the government and create change. Who doesn’t like to be heard? Athens was the first place to implement this method and it was a quite a radical idea at the time. Many aristocrats were not pleased and felt it caused the ruin of Athens. However, democracy in those times was much different than the democracy we know today. It used to be that women and slaves could not vote at all. It only allowed male citizens the right to take part in government. Also, the practice of ostracism was acceptable and very much in practice. In fact, Socrates met his death because of it (Brand,