What did the Ancient Athenians mean by 'demokratia'?
             The politics and ideas of ancient Athens have always played a key role in forming our idea of democracy. In this essay I will look to examine what the Athenians meant by 'demokratia' and will look to determine the true democratic nature of ancient Athens. I will attempt to do this by examining various aspects of ancient Greek life, by looking at the institutions of the time and the ways in which democracy took place, by examining the inclusion and exclusion of those people who were part of the decision making process and finally by observing the role of ancient Greek culture and norms in their politics. This will hopefully give us a clearer indication as to what the ancient Athenians meant by 'demokratia'.
             The Greek democracies did not spring up over night, but slowly evolved in response to a series of crisis. The city state which produced the first, most complete form of democracy was Athens. Athenian government took place by means of a set of institutions. The Ecclesia, or Assembly, was the most important institution and was considered the basis of democracy in ancient Athens. Every citizen had the right to attend the assembly. The assembly met over forty times a year, which included normal and extraordinary sessions, which the council could call if considered necessary. Attendance at the Assembly was not compulsory but for many citizens it was seen as a way of life. Approximately six thousand citizens were needed for the assembly to be valid. The Assembly was an open opportunity for debate and discussion with all major issues coming before the assembly. Consensus was the ideal, but often decisions were determined by a formal vote after speeches had been made for and against the motion. Majority rule would prevail. The Assembly was a highly democratic institution. All social classes within the citizen class were represented. The...