POLS 1000 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Peisistratos, Code Of Law, Cleisthenes

• School: York University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POLS 1000
• Professor: Martin Breaugh

Document Summary

Concept of isonomy and democracy ( use interchangeably) Definition of isonomy: equality before the law and equal opportunity to create law - this was crucial in the transition to democracy in athens ; iso = equal. Definition of democracy: demo= people kratos= power. Was first aristocratic in the 8th century then later developed to a democratic regime. Will experience the development of a political community known as a city-state. Greeks discovered equilibrium (essentially meant the equal balance of power between the government and its citizens) Birth of democracy: - threat of civil war. Political change occurs when civilians who are generally excluded in society want to be included. The merchants and peasants will impose demands to be included in political participation and push for democracy. Democracy itself will develop from controversial notions. The rich and powerful had a hard time accepting the idea of democracy because it meant sharing power amongst society.