The Truman State University Faculty Senate is a small pillar in the tradition and history of representative government and democracy. The term “democracy” is a Greek term meaning government of the people. The first democracies and representative governments emerged in Greece, in Athens in particular. When the representatives were chosen, they were chosen from wealthy white men. Usually the men chosen were the richest of the possible selection. The purpose of this type of government was to allow the “common man” to make decisions for other “common people.” This allowed them to be "bad guys" rather than just a ruler. For example, if a war were to take place, the Senate allowed for possible discussion and logical explanations. Whereas if a king or other singular ruler declares a war, the public does not agree with the logic and the evidence is more difficult for the ordinary citizen to obtain. Additionally, it helped people feel more active in everyday life decisions. , such as new laws, regulations and taxes. Because a certain number of people could vote, it was considered a mandate for those people to represent them. While a sole ruler was often unpopular if he was grandfathered or got the position because his predecessors were family. Democracy spread from Athens to other Greek city-states and eventually to other regions in that part of the world. One of the most famous early democracies or representative governments was the Roman Senate. However, this happened because of Rome's domination of Athens and Greece and local governments, more stable than Rome's militaristic style, proved stronger and allowed for better decisions. One of the reasons this system of government is... ... middle of paper ......ut Faculty Senate -- VPAA Office -- Truman State University." Office of the Provost and VPAA. Web. April 20, 2010. "American Cultural History - The Twentieth Century." Star College-Kingwood Library Home Page May 7, 2010. "American Cultural History - The Twentieth Century." Lone Star College-Kingwood Library. April 20, 2010. "History of DEMOCRACY." History and Timeline April 7, 2010. Twentieth Anniversary Banquet in Honor of President Walter H. Ryle and His Twenty Years of Service. as president of Northeast Missouri State Teachers College: October 17, 1957. http://provost.truman edu/facsenate/Minutes/index.asp.