Government Structure
What was the name of the group in ancient Athens where citizens met to vote on laws and important decisions?
The Assembly (Ecclesia)
Who was allowed to participate as a citizen in Athens? Name one eligibility requirement
Male, native-born (Athenian) adult; typically over 18
Name the social groups in Athens that was not considered full citizens
Women, slaves, and metics
True or False: All people living in Athens had equal political rights
False
What needed a magistrate and a jury?
The court
How did voting typically take place in the Athenian Assembly?
by a show of hands or standing
How did being a male citizen versus a non-citizen affect someone’s rights in Athens?
could vote and hold office; non-citizens could not
What was one way Athenian democracy was unfair or unequal by modern standards?
Women, slaves, and metics were excluded
What was the role of the Council of 500 in Athenian government?
prepared business for the Assembly and handled day-to-day government tasks.
Explain how selection by lot (random selection) helped ordinary citizens take part in government
Gave a chance for anyone to take part in government
What was the status of metics (resident foreigners) in Athens and what limitations did they face?
Metics lived and worked in Athens but lacked political rights
True or false: all citizens of the same class had equal rights
True
How often did the Council of 500 meet?
Every day except for festival days
What were juries in Athens, and why were they important for citizen participation?
Large groups of people chosen from citizens to decide legal cases
How could women influence politics
Talking to their husbands and persuading them
What is one way Athenian democracy tried to be fair or equal for its citizens
use of lotteries, allowing all citizens to participate if they met requirements
Describe the three main parts of the Athenian government and one key function of each.
Assembly (make and vote on laws), Council of 500 (prepare agenda, administer), Courts/justice system (decide legal cases)
Who was involved in the court's process
The jury, the magistrate, and the plantiff
Explain how identity (gender, birth, or wealth) shaped a person’s daily life and political rights in ancient Athens
determined legal rights, access to education, military service, and participation in politics
How did the Assembly allow for fairness?
All eligible male citizens could participate, and everyone had a say