Exam Essay Outline 2 (US gov vs Athens gov)

Compare and contrast the government of ancient Athens with the government of the United States in the year 2019.

Similarities -Both function under the democratic style where citizens have a large voice in the rules and function of the country. -Three branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial). Within the legislative branch of both places, it is split into two parts. Athens has the Council of 500 and an Assembly of 6000. The USA has the House of Representatives (435) and the Senate (100- 2 per state). -One main person in charge of the function of the country, supported by many other people Differences -Athens experience three different types of government (Aristocracy, Direct democracy, Athenian democracy) and democracy lasted the longest. The USA only had to experience democracy. -The Athenian rules about representation and voting was very exclusive. Women, slaves, and children were among the group that couldn’t vote or have a say in government. In the USA, as long as you’re a legal citizen over the age of 18, you can vote. -When the Judicial branch was used and trials are taking place, there was no attorneys, appeals, or lengthy trials in Athens. During court cases in the USA, the defendant and the plaintiff get an attorney, long appeals and a very lengthy trial. - President in the USA is voted on by the citizens while in Athens, the officials were chosen by a lottery. No matter popularity or wealth, every citizen had a chance.