Athenian Democracy: Debate Outline

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Debate Question: Was Athens truly democratic?

Thesis Statement: Athens, Greece was truly democratic because

Claim #1: By definition Athens was truly democratic.

Evidence to Democracy (noun): a system of government by the whole

Support Claim #1: population or all the eligible members of a state, typically
through elected representatives. (Definition)
Our constitution favors the many instead of the few. This is
why it is called a democracy. If we look to the laws, they
give equal justice to all (Pericles).

Claim #2: Athens is more democratic than our democracy because it took
each individuals vote not just those they elected.

Evidence to It is more democratic by being government by the people

Support Claim #2: instead of government by those elected by the people.
(Hansen)

Claim #3: When groups or individuals began to dominate the political system
they recognized it and reevaluated their government.

Evidence to In 417 BC, when the outcome was uncertain, the two top
Support Claim #3: dogs . . . ganged up on Hyperbolos, a hapless number three.
This was such an obvious misuse of the system that the
Athenians never used it again. (Camp)

Claim #4: Athens was ruled by the eligible members, according to the state.

Evidence to The democracy has made itself master of everything and

Support Claim #3: administers everything by its votes in the Assembly and by
the law-courts.

Your Oligarchy: a small group of people having control of a country,

Counterclaims organization, or institution.
(What arguments - Counter: Oligarchy is a form of democracy, according to its
do you think your definition of the eligible people according to the state.
opponents will
make and how can
you challenge their
claims?):

Your Opponent's It is less democratic by narrowing down the concept of

Potential demos to mean the adult male citizens in assembly.
Counterclaims (Hansen)
(Where might your
opponents try to
poke holes in your
arguments?):

Response to Democracy (noun): a system of government by the whole

Counterclaim population or all the eligible members of a state, typically
(Rebuttal): through elected representatives. (Definition)