Democracy/Sociey (Athens & US)
In this paper, I will discuss a few aspects of ancient Athenian democracy and society, as well as modern American democracy and society. First, I will outline the key points of Athenian and American democracy, then compare and contrast them. Then I'll do the same for Athenian and American Society, concluding with a comparison between the two societies. The political system of ancient Athens was a democracy. It involved all of its citizens and not merely their representatives by giving them daily access to civic affairs and political power. Both decision-making and decision enforcing were the duty of every citizen, and not just of those elected by them or of their leaders. The citizens of Athens were directly involved not only in government matters but also in matters of justice, as there was no separation of powers in ancient Athens. Although not all persons living in Athens had these political rights, no other democracy in human history provided such a level of participation. This political system, quite innovative for its times, shaped a society of a distinct character, of great sensibility and of unusual cultural achievements. Government functions were assigned to two bodies: The Assembly, which focused on policy decision-mak
American society differs a bit from Athenian society in that our society today is based upon greatly by the media and entertainment industry, something that didn't really exist back in ancient Athens. Our society is greatly based on T.V, music, movies, theatre, news, gossip, literature and other entertainment. For example, the population in general has been desensitized to sex and violence because it is everywhere in the media. Also, recently, because of the events that took place on September 11th, 2001, a new sense of patriotism has encompassed America today. We now have even more national pride as Americans than ever before. Religion plays a very large part in American society. Take this season for example. Once we get passed Thanksgiving, Christmas season begins. It's not that everyone in America is Christian (in fact, we take pride in our country's tolerance of every religion and background); it is just that time of season. It has become commercialized into society. Women also play a very important part in society in that they are viewed as equals to men in today's society. Women have just as many job opportunities as men, even more in some cases. Sports also play a huge part in American society. Good athletes have become the heroes to thousands of people solely because they are good at the sport they play, not because they are good people. Modern day America is one of the best examples of a democratic government. All men and women are equal, regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. Every citizen is entitled to a fair share of control in what happens in the government around him or her. Elections are held in American democracy. In these elections we elect the candidate that the majority of people wanted (except for the example of the electoral college) to rule or represent them to a larger body of rulers or representatives. The modern American government is set up so that no one ruler or branch of government is ever in complete control of the country. Our government not only ensures us with a continuous democracy, but it also designed itself so that each b
Some common words found in the essay are:
American Society, House Representatives, Boule Assembly, Ancient Athenian, America Christian, , American Athenian, Americans Religion, american society, Athenian American, athenian society, ancient athens, american democracy, ancient athenian, Thanksgiving Christmas, athenian democracy, ancient athenian society, democratic system, policy implementation, national pride, government executive, exist ancient athens,
Approximate Word count = 1402
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
|