What was the Council of 500?

Question

a council of citizens who met annually to discuss important issues
a council of long-serving citizens who selected and voted on important issues
a group of randomly chosen citizens who voted on the issues selected by the Assembly
a group of randomly chosen citizens who decided which issues the Assembly would debate

Answer 1

The correct description of the Council of 500 is: a group of randomly chosen citizens who decided which issues the Assembly would debate.

In ancient Athens, the Council of 500 (Boule) was responsible for setting the agenda for the Assembly (Ekklesia) and preparing matters to be discussed, ensuring that a wider representation of citizens could participate in the political process. Members of the Council were chosen by lot, reflecting the democratic principles of Athens.