Political Reforms in Ancient Athens

Overview

• 6th century B.C.E.: Significant political reforms in Athens
• Introduction of Democracy, changing political theory forever
• Three distinct eras in Athenian constitutional history:
  1. Oligarchy
  2. Limited Democracy
  3. Full Democracy

Era 1: Oligarchy

• Rule by a small group of powerful families
• The Areopagus:
  • Central council, similar to a Senate, but more exclusive
  • Membership based on birth; political activity limited to a few
  • Poor citizens ignored
• Political Appointees:
  • Basileus:
    • Ceremonial role; officiated religious festivals; politically powerless
  • Polemarch:
    • Commander-in-Chief of military; minor religious role
  • Eponymous Archon:
    • Chief government official; head of bureaucracy
• Junior Archons:
  • Assisted in legal system; not as important

Transition to Limited Democracy

• Political disputes led to paralysis in the Areopagus
• Solon:
  • Compromise candidate; implemented reforms
  • Empowered poor citizens and created an Assembly of Athenian Citizens
  • Assembly became central to Athenian politics; major decisions required a minimum of 6,000 citizens
• Public Voting:
  • No secret ballot; strong public engagement

The Boule

• New council established by Solon, separate from the Areopagus
• Responsible for what went before the Assembly for a vote
• Athenian class structure divided into four economic classes:
  • Ultra Rich, Very Rich, Moderately Rich, Everybody Else

Structure of the Boule

• 400 members:
  • Each economic class appoints 100 men
  • Random selection for Archons
• System still favored the rich; poor could only vote for candidates aligned with their interests

Emergence of Political Factions

• Three main factions:
  1. Plains Faction:
     • Rich landowners; resistant to reforms; aimed to protect profits
  2. Hill Faction:
     • Poor citizens, favored reforms for better living standards
  3. Coast Faction:
     • Artisans and traders; supported foreign skilled professionals moving to Athens
• Economic boom but institutional bias towards the rich caused factional tensions
• Brief period of tyranny followed

Transition to Full Democracy

• New reforms post-tyranny:
  • Old class system abolished; 10 new tribes created for representation
  • Each tribe had equal representation, reducing gridlock
  • Demos: 139 subdivisions for local governance
  • Boule: Increased membership to 500, elected from tribes, ensuring local elections
• Prytaneis:
  • Executive committee within the Boule; handled day-to-day operations

Decline of the Archons

• Archon powers diminished; duties randomized among citizens
• New positions like Strategos emerged for military command
• Measures taken to avoid factionalism; Ostracism introduced as a political safety valve
  • Annual vote to banish unpopular individuals (6,000 votes needed)

Impact of Athenian Democracy

• Athens became a powerhouse in manufacturing and culture
• Influence on political systems across Mediterranean region
• Legacy of Athenian democracy continues to impact modern political thought.