Greece, the epitome of democracy, has inspired civilization around the globe. The Fourth of July, reflecting principles originally expressed by the Declaration of Independence, symbolizes the ideals and practices established by ancient Greek society, based most importantly on the idea that ultimate power rests with the People. On a solid base of self-determination, devotion, and dedication to individual and human rights, and elevating and holding each other accountable as equals, the rule of law and government “of the People, by the People and for the People” was established in America.

After declaring independence from England in 1776, America’s founding fathers were faced with the duty to construct a government of their choosing. Encouraged by the teachings of philosophers, they studied ancient Greek and Roman works, the latter also inspired by Greeks, which emphasized the significance of morals, ethics, and a sense of independence, all fundamental values of a democratic society.

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The state created in America reflected a paradigm inspired by the community structure of the ancient Greek polis – city-state. A polis constituted an urban center and the land adjoining it, similar to state capitals in the United States, main cities, and rural areas encircling them. Athens, Sparta, Thebes, Corinth, and Syracuse on the island of Sicily were some of the major city-states of the ancient Greeks. Each of these areas in had a set of rules that were required to be followed by its people.

Read more: The National Herald