Question

Why did direct democracy work in Athens but not in the United States?

(1 point)
Responses

There was a large amount of citizens in Athens and small amount in the United States.

There was a large amount of citizens in Athens and small amount in the United States.

There was a larger number of non-citizens in Athens than in the United States.

There was a larger number of non-citizens in Athens than in the United States.

The territory of Athens was larger than the territory of the United States.

The territory of Athens was larger than the territory of the United States.

There was a small number of citizens in Athens and large amount in the United States.

There was a small number of citizens in Athens and large amount in the United States.
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Answer 1

There was a small number of citizens in Athens and a large number in the United States.

Athens' direct democracy worked because the citizen body (adult male citizens) was relatively small and concentrated, so citizens could meet and vote directly. The United States is far larger in population and territory, making direct rule by all citizens impractical—representative government is needed.