Which of the following are characteristics of democracy in Ancient Athens? (2 points)
- Direct participation of citizens in decision-making processes through assemblies and voting
- Ostracism, a process to banish a citizen deemed a threat to the democracy, through a popular vote
Some characteristics of democracy in Ancient Athens include:
1. Direct Democracy: Ancient Athens had a system of direct democracy, where citizens directly participated in decision-making. They actively engaged in debates, voted on laws, and held public offices.
2. Citizen Participation: Only adult male citizens were considered eligible to participate in the democratic process. They had the right to speak, vote, and hold public office. Women, slaves, and foreign residents were excluded from direct democracy.
3. Ostracism: Athens practiced a form of temporary exile called ostracism. Once a year, citizens could vote to ostracize (exile) any individual who was considered a threat to the stability or harmony of the city-state. This was done to prevent the concentration of power and the rise of tyrants.
4. Assembly and Council: The Athenian democracy had two main bodies: the Assembly and the Council. The Assembly was an open meeting of all eligible citizens where they discussed and voted on laws and policies. The Council, on the other hand, was a smaller group of citizens chosen by lot to prepare legislation and oversee government functions.
5. Trials and Juries: Athens had an extensive legal system where citizens could take legal disputes to court. Trials were held by juries composed of randomly selected citizens. This allowed for a collective decision-making process and reduced the influence of corrupt or biased judges.
6. Freedom of Speech: Ancient Athens valued the right to free speech. Citizens had the freedom to express their opinions openly in the Assembly, debates, and other political forums without fear of punishment or censorship.
7. Limited Scope of the State: Ancient Athenian democracy was limited in scope, as it only applied within the city-state itself. Athenians did not extend democratic rights to other regions they controlled, such as their colonies.
It is important to note that these characteristics may not be exhaustive, and the functioning of democracy in Ancient Athens was complex and varied over time.