the history of democracy

The history of democracy concerns the development of democratic government, commonly juxtaposed with oligarchic and monarchic systems; 18th-century intellectuals attempted to leverage early democratic experiments into a new template for post-monarchical political organization.

3 articles, 1 book · about 1 hr 16 min of reading and viewing

The reading path

1. Read
   

   the history of democracy · Wikipedia · 60+ min read

   In ancient India, the gana assembly discussed all major state decisions and had full financial, administrative, and judicial authority, including the power of life and death. The body seems to have been open for attendance by all free men in some of the states. Rome's assemblies had the final say on electing magistrates, enacting laws, and carrying out capital punishment. In practice, they were the least powerful of Rome's governing bodies, and an assembly was legal only when summoned by a magistrate and could neither initiate legislation nor debate. Citizens' assemblies use random selection to form a representative deliberative body. In Canada (2004, 2006) and the Netherlands (2006), they debated electoral reform; in Iceland (2009 and 2010), they addressed broader constitutional change.

2. Read
   

   Athenian Democracy · World History Encyclopedia · 7 min read

   Athenian democracy operated in Athens, Greece, from the 5th to the 4th century BCE. Citizens made the decisions by which they lived and actively served in governing institutions, directly controlling all parts of the political process.

3. Read
   

   Classical Greece - Period, Art & Map | HISTORY · HISTORY · 4 min read

   Pericles, an Athenian general, used tribute money to pay modest wages to jurors and members of the ekklesia, so that, in theory, everyone eligible could afford to participate in the public life of the demokratia. This was part of his effort to serve the citizens of Athens, rich and poor.

4. Book
   

   On Democracy · Bookshop.org

   Robert A. Dahl wrote On Democracy, which covers the nature, value and mechanics of democracy.

Book links are Bookshop.org affiliate links. Curiate may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you — Bookshop.org also gives a share to independent bookshops.