Historical origins of democracy

Remains of a City States Athens

The democratic system of government as we recognize it today emerged in Greece. The study of Greece history reveals that the democratic thought was related with the civil liberties, the freedom of speech and writing, freedom of religion and a government that took into account the opinion of the people and an independent judicial system. Since the ancient Greek gave importance to the freedom and human rights, they excelled in the fields of political science, natural knowledge and the philosophy. This was the beginning of the human advent in the realm of knowledge and evolution of society.

: Plato-the Greek philosopher of democracy

When the Greek lost their glory and the Roman took the lead, they were initially inspired by the democratic ideas of Greece. The Roman empire was a blend of monarchy, aristocracy and democracy. However when the Roman empire spread in vastness and strength, the rulers started usurping the rights of individuals in the name of exigencies of government. Hence the democratic values soon scum med to the monarchist attitudes. The Roman kept ruling their vats empire in Europe for few centuries with dexterity and wisdom and provided a sense of security and peace.

As the Roman Empire decline, the European territories fell victim to anarchy. The barbarian attacks rose in intensity and frequency. The people were forced to take protection of the feudal system and the warlords, hence the rise of feudalism. The feudal were not concerned about the democratic norms hence the individual liberties were usurped in exchange of physical protection provided by feudal to the people. Another power that effectively interfered with the rights of the people was the church. The Pope wielded extra ordinary influence over the people and the state. Thus the pace of progress was retarded to great extent.

: Rise of Feudalism in Europe

The Pope and his ideas dominated the intellectual capacity of the society, the land lord became the source of economic production and the law of hereditary became the social norm. This system remained in vogue with little change till the 15^th century.