Problem
One of the weaknesses of democratic political systems is their potential to become vulgar (from the Latin vulgus = the "rabble" or "mob"). In this course, we have studied several examples of this: the Mitylenian Debate (recounted by Thucydides); the execution of the generals at Arginusae (recounted by Xenophon); the execution of Socrates (recounted by Plato); the repeal of the Oppian Law (recounted by Livy); and the crisis surrounding Tiberius Gracchus (recounted by Plutarch). Choose at least two examples (one each from Rome and Athens) to analyze in depth. In these cases, why did the "mob" act the way it did? Was there any justification for its actions? Why (if at all) did these events threaten the constitutional order?