The End of Direct Democracy

Abstract

This chapter covers the Hellenistic era, noting how democracy was severely curtailed in the decades after c.323 B.C., then went into a terminal decline, and was effectively dead by the beginning of the Roman Empire, if not long before. In Athens, the old vestiges of self governance continued, but in more or less weakened condition, as the Council and the Assembly were gradually neutralized. Athens’ constitution became increasingly oligarchic, especially in the transfer of power to elected officials and away from men chosen by lot.