Athenian Democracy: Roots, Principles, and Modern Relevance

The Greek Root of Democracy

In ancient Athens, the government was in the hands of all citizens.

Differences from Modern Democracy

• A basic difference is the size of communities. In ancient Greece, communities were small, and all their members were known.
• There were also compact and economically independent communities.
• They practiced direct democracy not only in deliberations and decisions but also in their implementation.
• Democracy constituted a way of life. Daily life mainly focused on political participation.

Similarities with Modern Democracy

• In the Athenian polis, rational argument was the foundation of all political power. Whoever exercised authority must always provide reasons acceptable to the public.
• There is a relationship between citizenship and participation.
• In the Greek polis, civic education played a decisive role. The idea was that a democracy cannot function without citizens who are well-trained and morally upright.

Participatory Democracy

Elitist theories fail to give a reason for our institutions in a democratic order, given the ideas used to justify it, and they always refer to what democracy should be. Apathy, disenchantment, and political issues seen in today's societies are a sign that more is expected of our democracies. Political realism advises us to stick to reality, from human beings as they are.

Democratic Virtue

The proper functioning of democratic institutions requires that all citizens recognize the moral value of the individual, that is, their dignity. Autonomy, responsibility, and solidarity are the three pillars that support democratic practice. For a real democratic life, it is essential to act with one's own criteria, be able to account for our actions, and be willing to understand the opposition of others.

The Limits of Majority Rule

The demand for greater democratization of our societies should not be confused with the extension of majority rule in all areas of society. This would confuse the basic meaning of democracy, which is the equal right of everyone to choose and manage their own existence, with a rule for decision-making that is only one element of its operation.

The use of majority rule has three limitations:

• Individual rights that cannot be voted on.
• The rights of minorities to defend their position and to become the majority.
• The nature of each social activity, which requires taking into account the degree of preparation and responsibility of those cooperating in it.

Among individual rights, we must include conscientious objection (the right of individuals to be exempted from performing certain acts that are repugnant to their conscience, even though the law requires them, in principle, to carry them out). Nonviolent civil disobedience, on the other hand, is the refusal to enforce laws beyond conscientious objection.