Democracy and the Athenians (Component) — OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation
In summary: Democracy and the Athenians (Component) is a key topic in OCR A-Level Classical Civilisation. Key exam tip: Ensure you can discuss both the positive and negative aspects of Athenian democracy
Exam Tips for Democracy and the Athenians (Component)
- Ensure you can discuss both the positive and negative aspects of Athenian democracy
- Use the prescribed sources to support your analysis of political ideas
- Be prepared to compare the views of different authors (e.g., Thucydides vs. Plato vs. Aristophanes)
- Structure your essays to include a clear line of reasoning and substantiated judgements
- Make explicit use of secondary scholars to enhance your critical analysis
Common Mistakes
- Failing to link political ideas to their broader cultural and historical context
- Treating sources as purely factual without considering their bias or purpose
- Neglecting to use secondary scholars and academic views to support arguments in essays
- Focusing only on the mechanics of democracy without evaluating the underlying political theory
- Misinterpreting the satirical nature of Aristophanes' plays
Marking Points
- Understanding of the reforms of Solon (seisachtheia, property classes, Council of 400, archonship, Areopagos, assembly, changes to Draco's lawcode)
- Understanding of the reforms of Cleisthenes (demes, tribes, Council of 500, sortition, ostracism, strategoi)
- Knowledge of 5th-century developments (Ephialtes, Pericles, Areopagus powers, payment for office, citizenship laws)
- Analysis of democratic organs (Assembly, Boule, law-courts, magistrates)
- Evaluation of the role of demagogues and the influence of the Athenian Empire
- Analysis of democracy as an Athenian identity and its idealisation in 5th-century sources
- Critical evaluation of democracy through the works of the Old Oligarch, Plato, and Aristophanes
Overview of Democracy and the Athenians (Component)
This component explores the development and functioning of Athenian democracy from the late 6th to the late 5th century BCE. You will examine key institutions such as the Assembly (Ekklesia), the Council of 500 (Boule), and the popular courts (Dikasteria), as well as the roles of magistrates and the strategy of ostracism. The topic also covers the reforms of Cleisthenes and Ephialtes, which established the democratic framework, and the criticisms of democracy by thinkers like Plato and Aristotle. Understanding this topic is crucial for appreciating how direct democracy operated in practice and its legacy for modern political systems.
Why does this matter? Athenian democracy was a radical experiment in citizen participation, where ordinary men (citizens) had the power to debate and decide on laws, war, and policy. It contrasts sharply with modern representative democracies and raises enduring questions about the balance between freedom and order, the competence of the masses, and the role of leadership. For your OCR A-Level, this component requires you to analyse ancient sources (e.g., Thucydides, Aristotle, the Old Oligarch) and evaluate different interpretations of how democratic institutions worked in practice.
This topic fits into the wider Classical Civilisation course by providing a foundation for understanding Greek political thought and its influence on later societies. It also connects to other components like 'Greek Theatre' (where democratic themes appear in plays) and 'Politics of the Late Republic' (which draws on Greek models). Mastery of this component will sharpen your skills in source analysis and argumentation, which are essential for the examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Athenian democracy differ from modern democracy?
Athenian democracy was a direct democracy where citizens voted on laws and policies themselves, rather than electing representatives. It was also limited to adult male citizens, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners. Modern democracies are typically representative, with elected officials making decisions, and have broader suffrage. Additionally, Athens used sortition (random selection) for many offices to prevent corruption, whereas modern systems rely on elections.
What was the Boule and why was it important?
The Boule (Council of 500) was a key institution that prepared the agenda for the Assembly and oversaw the day-to-day running of the state. Its members were chosen by lot from the 139 demes (local districts), with each of the 10 tribes providing 50 councillors. The Boule ensured that the Assembly could focus on major issues, and it also managed finances, foreign affairs, and public works. It was crucial for the efficient functioning of Athenian democracy.
Why did the Athenians use ostracism?
Ostracism was a procedure to exile a prominent citizen for 10 years without trial, designed to prevent any individual from becoming too powerful and threatening the democracy. It was used against figures like Themistocles and Cimon. The process required a vote in the Assembly, with a quorum of 6,000 citizens. If a majority voted for ostracism, the person had to leave Athens within 10 days. It was a safeguard against tyranny, though it could also be used for political rivalry.
What were the main criticisms of Athenian democracy?
Ancient critics like Plato and the 'Old Oligarch' argued that democracy gave power to the uneducated masses, who could be swayed by rhetoric rather than reason. Plato compared democracy to a ship where the crew (the demos) ignores the navigator (the expert). Others pointed out that demagogues like Cleon could manipulate the Assembly, leading to poor decisions (e.g., the Mytilenean Debate). Modern scholars also note the exclusion of women and slaves as a major flaw.
How did Pericles influence Athenian democracy?
Pericles was a leading statesman who strengthened democracy by introducing pay for jury service (misthos), allowing poorer citizens to participate in the courts. He also promoted Athens' cultural and imperial power, using Delian League funds to build the Parthenon. His Funeral Oration (as recorded by Thucydides) celebrated Athenian democracy as a model of equality and freedom. However, his leadership also saw the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War, which ultimately weakened Athens.
What is the significance of the Mytilenean Debate?
The Mytilenean Debate (427 BCE) is a key episode recorded by Thucydides where the Athenian Assembly debated whether to punish the rebel city of Mytilene by executing all its men and enslaving women and children. Initially, they voted for mass execution, but a second debate the next day led to a reversal, sparing the population. This debate illustrates the power of rhetoric (speeches by Cleon and Diodotus) and the volatility of direct democracy, as well as the tension between justice and expediency.
← Back to Classical Civilisation OCR A-Level Specification · All Classical Civilisation Topics