What were key characteristics of Athenian democracy?

Question

Choose all answers that are correct.

Responses

Power was in the hands of the people and all citizens were equal before the law.

Power was in the hands of the people and all citizens were equal before the law.

Though all citizens were equal, only the wealthy and well-born were likely to serve as jurors or council members.

Though all citizens were equal, only the wealthy and well-born were likely to serve as jurors or council members.

Paid juries of citizens heard legal cases and made decisions.

Paid juries of citizens heard legal cases and made decisions.

Ten elected generals were responsible for carrying on the work of the Assembly and Council.

Answer 1

The key characteristics of Athenian democracy include:

1. Power was in the hands of the people and all citizens were equal before the law.

2. Paid juries of citizens heard legal cases and made decisions.

3. Ten elected generals were responsible for carrying on the work of the Assembly and Council.

The statement "Though all citizens were equal, only the wealthy and well-born were likely to serve as jurors or council members" is somewhat misleading. While wealth and social status could influence political participation, Athenian democracy was designed to include a broader populace through mechanisms like the selection of jurors by lot, which aimed to minimize the influence of wealth and social standing in government roles. So, the first set of statements regarding restrictions based on wealth and birth is generally not considered a key characteristic of Athenian democracy in the same way as the others.