Aristotle: Athenian Constitution

Questions for Further Study

• 1. A common theme that runs throughout the early history of the world was the coalescence of small city-states and regions into larger, more unified nations. Why do you believe this happened in many places—not only in Greece but also, for example, Japan? To what extent did the reforms of early Greek leaders contribute to this development in Greece?
• 2. Historians and students continue to read and study ancient Greek texts to learn about the roots of modern-day democracy. In what precise ways did the rulers Aristotle discusses contribute to the emergence of democratic forms of government?
• 3. Trace the particular characteristics of the social class structure of ancient Greece as Aristotle describes it. How did this class structure promote or impede the development of democratic institutions in ancient Greece?
• 4. How did Solon's emphasis on wealth and income in governance represent a step forward from hereditary rule?
• 5.: Why did the issue of debt play such an important role in the reforms instituted by Solon? In what way did the geography of ancient Greece intersect with the issue of debt, and how did these matters intersect with Greece's expanding population?