A brief history of Democracy

Definition:
-Democracy is a (Greek demos, "the people", kratein, "to rule")
political system in wich the people of a country rule through any form
of government they chose
to establish.
Ancient Greek city-states were often run as direct democracies in
which all voting citizens (commoners, women, and slaves were
excluded) had a voice in what occured.
Decision making was limited to privileged few.
Ancient democracy did not presuppose equality of all individuals; the
majority of the populace, notable slaves, women, and foreigners, had
no political rights.
Athens, the greatest of the city democracies, limited the fanchise (right
to vote) to citizens; they had to be native-born, free men, over 18yrs.
-They had the right to vote, hold office, own property, and defend
themselves in
court.
-They had freedom of speech and freedom of assembly
Responsibility of the citizens include:
-Serve in the army, in the navy, and in the court of law
-Participate in the monthly assembly
The democracies of the city-states of classical Greece and Rome during
the early years of the Republic were unlike the democracies of today.
-They were direct democracies, in which, all citizens could speak
and vote in assemblies that resembled New England town meetings.