Pericles and Direct Democracy
Pericles and Direct Democracy is a Grade 6 social studies topic in Pengi Social Studies, Chapter 6: Ancient Greece, covering the golden age of Athenian democracy under the leadership of Pericles. After the Persian Wars, Pericles strengthened direct democracy by allowing every male citizen to vote on all laws in the Assembly. His most important reform was paying citizens to serve in government, enabling poor citizens to participate in governance alongside the wealthy.
Key Concepts
After the war, a leader named Pericles led Athens into a Golden Age . He strengthened direct democracy , where every male citizen voted on all laws in the Assembly .
Crucially, Pericles began paying citizens to serve in government (like juries). This reform allowed poor citizens, not just the wealthy, to participate in democracy.
Common Questions
Who was Pericles?
Pericles was the leading Athenian statesman during Athens' Golden Age in the 5th century B.C.E. He strengthened democracy, directed the construction of the Parthenon, and made Athens the cultural and intellectual center of the Greek world.
What is direct democracy?
Direct democracy is a system where citizens vote directly on laws and policies rather than electing representatives. In ancient Athens under Pericles, all male citizens could attend the Assembly and vote on every major decision.
Why did Pericles pay citizens to serve in government?
Before Pericles, only wealthy citizens could afford to take time off work to participate in government. By paying citizens for jury service and government work, Pericles made democracy truly accessible to all male citizens, not just the rich.
How does Pengi Social Studies Grade 6 cover Pericles?
The Pengi Social Studies Grade 6 textbook covers Pericles and direct democracy in Chapter 6: Ancient Greece, explaining how his reforms strengthened Athenian democracy and created a model of civic participation.
What was the Athenian Assembly?
The Assembly was the main governing body of Athenian democracy where all male citizens could gather to debate and vote on laws. Under Pericles, it met regularly and gave ordinary citizens real political power, embodying direct democracy.