Which of the following statements best explains why direct democracy worked in ancient Athens?
A. The council controlled the work of the assembly.
B. People were paid to take part in government.
C. The city-state's population of citizens was small.
D. Free people could vote and hold office.
C. The city-state's population of citizens was small.
Well, it seems the ancient Athenians had one advantage in their direct democracy: they didn't have to deal with massive lines at the polling stations. With a relatively small population of citizens, it was easier for people to actively participate in the decision-making process. It's hard enough getting people to vote in modern times, so imagine how challenging it would be if we had to wrangle millions of citizens! So, in this case, size does matter... in a good way, at least for direct democracy.
The correct answer is C. The city-state's population of citizens was small.
In ancient Athens, direct democracy functioned because the population of citizens was relatively small compared to modern nation-states. This allowed for more direct participation in decision-making processes. In a small community, it is easier for citizens to gather, discuss, and vote on matters of public concern. As a result, the ancient Athenians were able to directly participate in their government, making decisions collectively through the assembly.
The correct answer is C. The city-state's population of citizens was small.
To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options and eliminate the ones that don't provide a satisfactory explanation.
Option A. The council controlled the work of the assembly. While this statement refers to the structure of the democratic system in Athens, it does not directly explain why direct democracy worked. It focuses on the internal workings rather than the overall conditions necessary for its success.
Option B. People were paid to take part in government. This statement refers to the practice of paying citizens for participating in government functions. However, it does not explain why direct democracy worked in ancient Athens, it only highlights a particular incentive within the democratic system.
Option C. The city-state's population of citizens was small. This statement provides the most compelling explanation. Direct democracy can be more effective in smaller populations as it allows for a more direct and inclusive participation of citizens. In ancient Athens, where the population of citizens was relatively small compared to modern nations, it was more feasible for all citizens to convene and directly participate in discussions and decision-making processes.
Option D. Free people could vote and hold office. Although this statement is true, it alone does not explain why direct democracy worked. It merely outlines one of the fundamental principles of a democratic system - the inclusion of free citizens in the voting and holding of political offices.
In conclusion, the most appropriate answer is C. The city-state's population of citizens was small, as a smaller population allows for more direct citizen participation, which is a key element of direct democracy.