Where did democracy begin? the fertile crescent greek city-states the united states the assyrian empire

General
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where did democracy begin? the fertile crescent greek city-states the united states the assyrian empire

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Where did democracy begin? The Fertile Crescent, Greek city-states, the United States, the Assyrian Empire

Answer:

Democracy began in the Greek city-states, particularly in ancient Athens. Here’s a detailed explanation:

Origin of Democracy:

  1. Ancient Athens:

    • Development: Democracy developed in Athens around the 5th century BCE. It was a direct form of democracy where citizens participated in decision-making.
    • Assembly and Council: The principal institutions were the Assembly, where citizens voted on laws, and the Council of 500, which set the agenda.
    • Citizen Participation: Only free male Athenians were considered citizens with the right to vote.

  2. The Fertile Crescent:

    • This region, known for early civilizations, did not practice democracy. It was more known for city-states with monarchical or oligarchical governance.

  3. The United States:

    • The U.S. adopted democratic principles in the 18th century, inspired by Enlightenment ideas. It is known for its representative democracy, not a point of origin.

  4. The Assyrian Empire:

    • This was a major Mesopotamian empire known for its military power and centralized monarchy, without democratic governance.

In conclusion, while the concept of participatory governance has evolved over time, the origins of democracy are credited to the Greek city-states, and specifically Athens, where citizens actively engaged in governmental decisions.