Open government and citizen participation: a journey through history – Infographic
This article is also available here in Spanish.

Open government and citizen participation: a journey through history – Infographic

My list

Open governments, those in which citizenry can access the documents and proceedings of the government, be it at local or state level, are one of the basis for the improvement of democracy. A form of government that is relatively new, although it has truly ancient origins.

Ancient Indian Republics

More than 24 centuries ago, the Maurya Empire, in the India subcontinent, managed its cities using a complex system that allowed for the vote of the richest citizens, backed by a hereditary monarchy. A number of councils decided on issues such as road maintenance, trade, licenses and even tourism.

Athens: A man, a vote

Greek democracy is widely considered the origin of current democratic regimes with its one man, one vote system. Literally.__ Women couldn’t vote, and the same was also true for slaves,__ despite making a huge part of the population during the era. According to classical literature, each free man owned at least one slave.

From Rome to Paris: democracy, but just for the rich

The Roman participative system allowed rich men to vote according to their centuria or land ownership. Later, wealth would be measured in bronze coins. The notion of rich citizens being the only ones allowed to participate in decision-making would survive well into the British and French empires, which allowed for some kind of democratic representation of the elites.

Current democracy: secrecy of choice and voting rights

In 1795 France decrees that vote must be secret. The voter doesn’t have to voice its political opinions and desires. Later, in 1822, the First Hellenic Republic would allow one vote for each man. Just a few years after the fact, the United States would recognize the right of women to vote.

Towards more open governments

Nowadays, citizens are looking into ways to increase their participation. Open governments are seen as more transparent and collaborative, allowing for participative budgets and popular initiatives in order to improve decision-making.

Related content

Recommended profiles for you

NA
Nuzul Farisya Ahmad Fadzil
Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA)
Assistant Vice President
DC
Dr Marianna Cavada
Lancaster University
Lecturer, Urban Design Policy
GA
Gustavo Alves
Western Parana State University
I actually teach Political Science and International Relations and research on innovation.
CC
Claudia Elsa Cabrera Bautista
Eok Gestión Sustentable
Socio comercial
DR
Daro Rosa
RP BA
MS
Mireia Sanabria
URBACT
Lead Expert
MS
Marina Semekhina
LLC E-Light-Telecom
CDTO
RP
Ricardo Pereira
UFSC
Student
TB
Teresa Bagnoli
ART-ER
MB
Marcelo Bondoni
Consultora Eglobal Argentina
Socio
RR
Richard Rodríguez
Intendencia de Flores
Desarrollo
AP
Alba Page
Esri
I am a GIS technician
IC
Ivo Caracol
capgemini
Consultant
NS
Nadia Santeramo
Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires
PO
Pedro Oliveri
Eit
LD
LUIS RENÉ DÍAZ MALÁSQUEZ
UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL FEDERICO VILLARREAL
DOCENTE E INVESTIGADOR DE URBANISMO\\nCONSULTOR ESPECIALISTA DE DESARROLLO URBANO SOSTENIBLE
AS
Aarti Shah
Co-REGEN
AA
Ahmad Almaarif
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
DH
denise hochbaum
Independent
PF
Pascal Frucquet Frucquet
UPPA - LIREM - IAE PAU-BAYONNE