The Middle Ages of civilization were rife with turmoil, war, and political unrest. Feudalism was the main form of government present during these centuries. However, both the Church and monarchies played a very important role in the concurrent events of the Middle Ages as well. Therefore, it is my opinion that ancient Egypt had the greatest overall influence on this era’s government. In ancient Egypt, the Pharaoh was the supreme ruler, the figurative judge, jury, and executioner. He had absolute reign and control over any aspect he wished to involve himself in, whether the matters be public or private, very similar to what feudal lords and kings possessed as well. The Pharaoh had the ultimate authority to send subjects off to battle without consequences, and service was compulsory. While this control wasn’t as absolute in feudal society, the component of mandatory service, whether militarily or otherwise, was prevalent among the lord’s subjects as well. Ancient Egypt’s ruler would require undying loyalty simply for the privilege to live, while the lord would require the same loyalty for the privilege to own land, thus allowing his subjects to farm and grow a homestead. Human nature often bested rulers in both societies, as they engaged in vengeful acts against subjects they felt were disloyal or simply coveted something they desired, such as a wife or daughter.
Another strong similarity between the ancient Egyptians and the feudal society of the Middle Ages is the prominence of religion. The Church was seen as the moral compass and spiritual authority over the vast majority of people. They placed and displaced Kings, local forms of government, and fully believed they had the divine right to do so. In comparison, the Pharaoh, was viewed as a deity himself, worshipped and feared. Many local figures of authority were installed in the Egypt of old, but all had to show complete subservience to the Pharaoh, because defying him was as great as defying Osiris or any other primary god. Ultimately, the Church exercised less control than did the Pharaoh, but its omnipresent nature influenced both policy and moral decisions. Aspects of other civilizations can be seen in the Middle Ages, such as elementals of democracy and tyrannies, however, the similarities between ancient Egypt’s form of singular, religious control and middle age feudalism is unparalleled.
Various forms of government had their influence on modern society, however, I feel that Athenian democracy and the Roman republic have had the most influence by far. In America, for instance, we have representatives that make day to day decisions on Capitol Hill. We have a president that signs passed bills into law. The average citizen does not have the power to create bills, laws, or ordinances. However, we as citizens get to elect the people who represent us at local, state, and federal levels. And unlike the Roman Republic, everyone of legal age gets the right to vote. There are no longer property requirements, race requirements, or gender provisions. Athenian democracy also had a very limited “citizen body”, with women being excluded. Also, military training was required for citizenship, which has transformed into compulsory service, that certain countries such as Israel still have. Even with these restrictions in place, both the Roman republic and the Athenian democracy had much more public participation than did oligarchies, tyrannies, and monarchies. Ever increasingly, voting requirements have eased and allowed a broader range of people to participate in the political system. A current American example is the growing enfranchisement of felons, who had previously been barred from voting. Growing segments of politicians believe that people deserve to vote, no matter what may have happened in their past. We as a country have also learned from past mistakes such as Jim Crow laws and civics tests. Eventually, the right to vote in the West may become as universal as the right to free speech and expression.
Democracy has a universal appeal to civilized people. A government for the people, by the people, and of the people is one of the surest ways to ensure an equitable and fair society. I believe this is why democracy has withstood the test of time, and why every western nation practices some form of it. Different incarnations of government have come and gone, such as monarchies and tyrannies. Certain ones remain, such as Communist governments and dictatorships. Democracy and constitutional republics have flourished simply because citizens want to have a voice. When citizens vote, they can help to ensure their freedom, safety, and prosperity. As societies have evolved, almost every modern Western nation has used Athenian democracy and the idea of a republic as a building block to mold their own governmental structure. When nations have the will of the people on their side, they are able to afford stability to their populace, and thus is why democracy is still intact around the world, and while it will be for the foreseeable future. In fact, if one looks at America’s recent wars, we have taken the fight for democracy overseas into other countries. Historians and political pundits will rightfully debate as to the merits of this exercise, but one cannot doubt the influence that our democratic system of government has had all across the globe.
