What did the boule do and how were they chosen?
The Boule, also known as the Council of Five Hundred, was an important institution in ancient Athens, Greece. It was responsible for preparing the agenda for the meetings of the Athenian Assembly (Ecclesia) and proposing laws and policies.
The members of the Boule were chosen by lot, a process called sortition, which involved randomly selecting citizens from among eligible male Athenians aged 30 or above. The lot was intended to minimize corruption and ensure that all qualified citizens had an equal chance of serving. The selection process occurred on an annual basis.
There were 500 Boule members, representing 50 citizens from each of the ten tribes of Athens. The selection process, held in a building called the Bouleuterion, ensured that the number of representatives from each tribe was proportional to its population. Each tribe would provide 50 members who would serve for one year.
The members of the Boule were responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the city-state. They would meet every day to discuss and prepare legislation, oversee the functioning of the state's institutions, and coordinate with other offices and officials. They also served as supervisors during the popular assemblies, ensuring that the decisions made were in accordance with the laws.
The Boule played a crucial role in the democratic system of Athens, providing stability, expertise, and representing the interests of the citizens. Their decisions and proposals were subject to approval by the Assembly, but their role in shaping the legislative agenda and making informed choices was vital to the functioning of Athenian democracy.