Comparing Democracy In Athens And Rome

he experiments of democracy and republicanism in Athens and Rome, respectively, were both equally flawed, however each system formed as a result of a failed tyranny that drove the public to call for a less oppressive government. Both systems were riddled with internal problems and external pressure that caused each system to fail.

Democracy in Athens formed following the revolution led by Cleisthenes and promised liberty to the Greeks who had just overcome their tyrannical leadership. Democracy in Athens formed due to frustration and turmoil brought forth by past oligarchies who just took advantage of the people of Athens. As the years went on, the experiment improved and the democratic experiment allowed even the less wealthy to experience

the full scope of the democracy. Through the leader Pericles, Athenian democracy was notable for being “...direct and participatory”, which was problematic since the “ordinary people set the agenda… at each assembly meeting”. These meetings were held where all citizens could participate and weigh in on important decisions for Athens, as pictured.
In theory, this system can be considered to be very progressive since citizens could easily voice what their issues are going much like public forums. However, the definition of the world “citizen” was not up to discussion through Greece. Through this “direct and participatory” system, important decisions were made at the assembly. The democracy in Athens contained liberty, but not equality; while it was not required to own property, only males were considered citizens. Women in a word were considered citizens, but did not have the rights of men. They were generally looked down upon in society compared to men, but they still had some influence in the home. The role of women and their importance at the time is described in Aristotle's book as he describes relationships between men and women, “...the poor, not having any slaves, must employ both their women and children as servants.” Women were not allowed participate in the general assembly meetings along with resident aliens and so, in general, their voices were not heard.
Republicanism in Rome formed with great influence from Greek democracy.