"We came from a 'WE' society, they came from a 'ME' society - Dr. Henrik Clarke.
Democracy can be said to be the greatest invention of man – this statement can be backed up by defining democracy, however this will be done at a latter stage. Democracy the term is used in the AGOA trade agreement between African states and the United States of America – in which the Americans allow African states to trade with them with favourable fees and sometimes duty free. This however comes at a price in which the Americans stipulate that the African countries have to adhere to ‘their’ definition of democracy. With this kind of credibility the term democracy must be very good, or at least be respected by nations all over the world. It is pragmatic to assume that the definition that America gives for democracy might not be the same as the Athenian society used. Meaning that the term of democracy has evolved throughout history. The following essay will explore the term ‘Athenian democracy’ and its character; furthermore the essay will examine the justifications of this type of democracy as given by Pericles and Protagoras. Moreover, the essay shall critically asses the Athenian democracies theoretical foundations and will determine how they differ from that of modern democracy. However, this is a flaw in the question because there are different types of democracies which have evolved throughout the ages – thus the essay will comment on Protective democracy in relation to Athenian democracy and how these two forms of democracy differ. Finally the essay will determine that in fact Athenian democracy can teach us (the modern world) what true democracy is and not what it has evolved into – where a chosen few make decisions for the masses, without true accountability.
It is imperative that the term Athenian democracy or as Heywood puts it Classical democracy be explored and its characteristics be defined and assessed. The Athenian democracy can be said to be the founder of all future democratic models thus it is given the name of the “only pure or ideal system of participation”. The system gets its description because everyone in the city of Athens participated in the running of the country making it in essence a true democracy – democracy is after all for every person in a country, city, to be able to be heard and have an impact in the running of their respective state.
The nature of Athenian democracy is uttered best by Pericles and Protagoras these tow men both are champions for democracy - and more so of the Athenian model of democracy. What Athenians were most proud of in their state was freedom of speech, freedom of action, they also were proud that the “power was in the hands of the people” – all of which really amounted to justice or law and order in Athens – this bringing terrible amount of pride in being Athenian on the part of Pericles and Protagoras.
In Pericles’ funeral oration the man talks about how good Athenian democracy is when he states that, “Let me say that our system of government does not copy the institutions of our neighbours. It is more the case of our being a model to others… Our constitution is called a democracy because power is in the hands not of a minority but of the whole people”. This is the main character of the Athenian system of democracy, thus making it a catalyst for future democracies. This is one key character which Athenian democracy possesses and in which Pericles gives such convincing and eloquent justification for – the justification being for the power ( for running affairs) being in the hands of the masses thus making every one equal, not in theory but in practice as well – this will be focused on at a latter stage. Freedom was a great right Athenians had, and which commanded a lot of praise by Pericles – this freedom coming about because of the great democracy Athens was, “We are free and tolerant in our lives; but in public affairs we keep to the law. This is because it commands our deep respect” this statement also eludes to the respect of the law which Athenians as Pericles puts it – “command[ed] deep respect” for.
Protagoras also was a great champion for the Athenian form of democracy and in his dialogue with Socrates demonstrated that the character of Athenian democracy is for everyone to be heard when it came to politics. This is evident when Protagoras says in response to Socrates doubts about the Athenian democratic decision making process: “But when the subject of their counsel involves political wisdom, which must always follow the path of justice and moderation, they listen to every man’s opinion, for they think that everyone must share in this kind of virtue; otherwise the state could not exist”. The words that are spoken of justice and everyman having political wisdom by Protagoras are similar to those of Pericles – both of which are justifications for justice, and every man having a say in politics in Athens being the core of Athenian democracy.
The one feature that sets Athenian democracy from any other form of democracy is that “Athenian democracy amounted to a form of government by mass meeting” this entails that everyone in the Athenian state have some sort of knowledge and inclination to be part of the democratic process. Furthermore, the Athenian people therefore must have cared deeply and had a lot of passion towards their state – in addition to their “constitution”. Decisions in Athens were made by “the Assembly, or Ecclesia, to which all citizens belonged. This met at least 40 times a year”. With this type of citizen participation the Athenian democracy model embodies what I think democracy is supposed to, not a government of elites – which make decisions for people who they cannot relate to – which is what modern democracies are built on. Moreover, not only was mass citizen participation compulsory but the state made the “terms of office short to achieve the broadest possible participation”. This type of democracy has been completely destroyed in the modern times – there is no country that takes the steps that can be seen in Athenian democracy to be inclusive to all (most) its citizens – what is left is almost dictatorial democracy whereby, elections are held and the government is chosen, ending the public or citizens participation in government there. This is seen in Protective democracy which came about in the seventeenth century – “democracy was seen less as a mechanism through which the public could participate in political life, and more as a device through which citizens could protect themselves from the encroachment of government”. This encroachment by the government arises because the participation of civilians in the running of the state is no longer evident, thus making the government seem as a “monster” in the eyes of the population – in response to this encroaching beast hence the name Protective democracy. “The president of the Committee held office for only a single day, and no Athenian could hold this honour for more than once in his lifetime” this makes sure that there are no ulterior motives for the president to advance his beliefs, but to advance democracy itself. This is unheard of in the new forms of democracy where terms for presidents range from 4 years to a lifetime for some dictatorial states.
In essence what Athenian democracy is what the definition of democracy is – “Rule by people; democracy implies both popular participation and government in public interest” – this definition fits the Athenian democracy. Protective government on the other hand goes against what the definition of democracy is – it is almost as if it is the population versus the government, which is in contrast to Athenian democracy.
Athenian democracy as described above is all about the union of the state, and power being in the hands of the masses. This in itself is something the modern world can learn a great deal of. The modern world is as I see it the government against the people as Protective democracy states. This is evident when people go on strikes against the government be it for service delivery, or unnecessary wars. Furthermore, it is clear that if the world in these times took the Athenian take on democracy where people have the power to make the world a place they want to live in a reality - a world would definitely be a better place.
In conclusion Athenian democracy as the first of its kind demands respect from everyone even though they have no interest in politics. The justification Pericles and Protagoras give for this type of democracy is clear and very persuasive. The Athenian take on democracy is a great philosophy which could change the modern world. Athenian democracy had a lot of lessons in it for the modern world to learn. Power should be in the hands of everyone who lives within a state – not only the elected few who promise the heavens and hardly ever deliver all their promises.
Only we can
