ABSTRACT

This pamphlet outlines the development and operation of Athenian democracy to the end of the fifth century BC. Separate sections examine the prelude to democracy, the emergence of a democratic system, and the way this system worked in practice. A final section focuses on the questions:

  • how should we judge the success of Athenian democracy?
  • who benefitted?
  • was it an efficient system of government?
  • in what sense was Athenian democracy the forerunner of modern democracies?

chapter 1|4 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|16 pages

Prelude to democracy

chapter 4|8 pages

The democratic system: later reforms

chapter 5|16 pages

The system in practice

chapter 6|6 pages

An overview