Which of the following statements best explains why direct democracy worked in ancient Athenas
Direct democracy worked in ancient Athens for several reasons. One of the most important reasons is the relatively small population of Athens at that time. With a population of around 40,000 adult male citizens, it was feasible for all citizens to gather in the assembly and participate in decision-making. This ensured that a wide range of perspectives and ideas were considered in the political process.
Another reason direct democracy worked in Athens was the strong sense of civic duty among the citizens. Athenian society placed a high value on active participation in public affairs. Citizens saw it as their responsibility to contribute to the governance of the city-state and be actively engaged in decision-making. This commitment to civic duty fostered a sense of community and collective responsibility.
Furthermore, the Athenian democratic system included mechanisms to prevent concentration of power. The use of random selection for certain positions such as juries and council members ensured that power was distributed among citizens. Additionally, the practice of ostracism allowed citizens to vote to exile individuals who were perceived as a threat to the democracy. These safeguards helped maintain a balance of power and prevented the emergence of authoritarian rule.
Overall, the combination of a relatively small population, a strong sense of civic duty, and mechanisms to prevent concentration of power contributed to the success of direct democracy in ancient Athens.