Different Ways of Ruling
The Greek city-states did not all rule in the same way, and over time their systems of government changed. In early days a single king often ruled a city-state (this is called monarchy). Later, power sometimes passed to a small group of rich and powerful families (called oligarchy, meaning rule by the few). Sometimes one strong man seized power by force; such a ruler was called a tyrant.
Democracy in Athens
The most important change happened in Athens, where the people developed democracy — a word that means "rule by the people". Instead of one king deciding everything, free adult male citizens gathered in an assembly to discuss and vote on the laws and decisions of the city. Officials were chosen to carry out the work of government, and citizens could speak and share their views.
Key idea
Democracy means "rule by the people". In Athens, free adult male citizens voted in an assembly instead of obeying a single king. This idea still shapes governments around the world today.
Who Could and Could Not Take Part
Athenian democracy was an important step, but it was not the same as democracy today. Only free adult men who were citizens could vote. Women, enslaved people and foreigners were not allowed to take part. Even so, it was one of the first times ordinary people helped to run their own city, and it became a model that later peoples studied and improved.
Remember
- Greek city-states were ruled in different ways: monarchy, oligarchy, tyranny.
- Athens developed democracy — "rule by the people".
- Only free adult male citizens could vote; women, enslaved people and foreigners could not.