Citizenship in Athens
Who could participate in the government in Athens?
Citizens (men over 20 who completed military service)
What is direct democracy?
A system where all citizens vote on decisions
How did citizens usually vote?
By raising hands
Who had more rights in Athens?
Men
What were the three parts of Athenian government?
Assembly, Council of 500, and Courts
What were the three social classes in Athens?
Citizens, metics, and slaves
Where did citizens meet to vote?
Pnyx Hill
What was another method of voting?
Using colored stones
What happened when a boy was born?
An olive branch was hung on the door
What was the job of the Council of 500?
Plan the agenda for meetings
What is a metic?
A person born outside Athens who lived there
How often did the Assembly meet?
Every 8–10 days
What was a piece of pottery used for voting someone out called?
Ostrakon
What happened when a girl was born?
Wool was hung on the door
How were council members chosen?
By lottery
How did someone often become a slave?
Captured in war or punished for crimes
How many citizens typically participated?
About 6,000
What does exile mean?
Being forced to leave forever
What happened to boys at age 7?
They went to school
What was a magistrate?
A court official who handled cases
Why couldn’t most people participate in government?
Only male citizens were allowed
What is the main difference between direct and representative democracy?
Direct = everyone votes; Representative = elected officials decide
Why might someone be exiled?
Often for not supporting democracy or being a threat
What happened to girls at around age 15?
They were married off and moved to their husband’s home
How many people were in a jury?
501–1500 people