The Characteristics of the Government Functions in Ancient Athens

The political foundation of ancient Athens was established after Solon's reform. Previously, due to the intensification of social contradictions, the city-state was in danger of disintegration. Solon issued a release order, liberating debt slaves as free citizens and stabilizing the social foundation of the city-state. Property Inheritance Law allows childless citizens to dispose of their property freely, which frees property ownership from the bondage of blood relationship, so it has practical significance to encourage industry and commerce. In addition to the above policies, Solon also divided citizens into four classes according to the amount of property. The first and second categories are wealthy citizens who can hold senior public positions and equip cavalry at their own expense. The third category can hold a second-class public office and equip heavy infantry at their own expense. The fourth class does not hold public office, and is equipped with light infantry and sailors at its own expense. These four classes all have civil rights. They can participate in citizens' assembly, jury court and elect senior officials. At the same time, a 400-member Council was established as the permanent body of the assembly. Responsible for preparing the agenda and pre-trial proposal of the general assembly. Citizens over the age of 30 who have no debts can join the jury court of the highest judicial organ by drawing lots, and the jury court has thus become a tool for civilians to control state power and restrict the government. After Solon's reform, in the first 509 years, Cleisthenes's reform continued to improve the democratic system in Athens, abolishing the traditional four blood tribes and replacing them with 10 regional tribes, thus eliminating the influence of clan remnants on politics. On a tribal basis, a council of 500 people will be elected to replace the council of 400 people. Responsible for setting the agenda and implementing resolutions for the citizens' assembly, and becoming the administrative organ of Athens. The Presidium of its permanent organization and tribes are on duty for 35 days in turn (110), and the law of exile of the ten generals Committee and pottery tablets, the highest military organ, was created to prevent civil war and tyranny. At this point, democracy in Athens was established. Throughout the Athenian regime, democracy is an important feature. All citizens have the right to participate in the debate of the citizens' assembly, the highest authority, or submit bills to clarify their views. Members of the 500-member House of the Executive are elected by the people, and every citizen without debt has the opportunity to enter the jury court of the highest judicial organ. Although the procedure is rough, the civil rights in the whole system are both equal and realistic. Under an authoritarian regime, people have no right to talk about state power and public affairs except the rulers themselves. Bureaucrats at all levels do not need electors, but are appointed from top to bottom. People not only have no political power, but also have incomplete property rights and even personal rights. In contrast, it is self-evident that which regime's decision is more reasonable, the people's enthusiasm for participating in public affairs management is higher, and their sense of belonging to the country is stronger.