In most ancient lands, one king made ALL the rules. But about 2,500 years ago, the people of Athens tried something brand new. They said: let the citizens decide together! They called it democracy, from Greek words meaning 'rule by the people.'
Citizens of Athens met on a hill called the Pnyx. Anyone could stand up and give a speech. Then everyone voted, sometimes by raising hands, sometimes by dropping colored stones or pieces of pottery into jars. The side with the most votes won!
Athenian democracy wasn't perfect — only free men born in Athens could vote, not women, children, or enslaved people. But the IDEA grew and grew. Today, in countries like ours, adults of all kinds vote to choose leaders. That big idea started in Athens!
1. What does the word 'democracy' mean?
2. How did Athenians vote?
3. Who was NOT allowed to vote in Athens?
Write T for true or F for false in each circle.
1. means rule by the people.
2. The idea began in the Greek city of .
3. Any citizen could stand up and give a .
4. After the speeches, everyone would .
5. In a democracy, power belongs to the .
Hold a family democracy meeting! Pick a real question: What should we have for dinner? What game should we play?
Let each person give a short speech for their choice. Then vote with 'pottery pieces' (buttons, coins, or paper scraps) dropped into cups. Count the votes — the people have spoken!
1. What did your family vote on, and which side won?
2. Was it fair that women and children couldn't vote in Athens? Why not?