Athenian
statesman.(c.570-507 BC), who invented and implemented
the concept of democracy and is thus beyond doubt one of the
most important figures in world history! He reformed the political
system by constructing ten demes, or municipalities in Athens, each
with 50 representatives in the boule or parliament. Cleisthenes believed
in the equal rights of all citizens, and as a consequence had many
enemies in the oligarchy. He also introduced the practice of 'ostracism',
or temporary banishment. His most important innovation was the basing
of individual political responsibility on citizenship of a city rather
than on membership of a clan. |