Question

Which democratic ideals were practiced by Athens? Check all that apply.

Citizens voted for members of an elected assembly to represent their interests.
Women were granted the right to vote and to serve on juries.
All citizens could debate and vote on new laws.
Citizens accused of a crime were entitled to a trial by jury.
Slavery was prohibited.

Answer 1

Correct choices:
- All citizens could debate and vote on new laws. — True. In classical Athens male citizens attended the Assembly (ekklesia) where they debated and voted directly on laws and policy.
- Citizens accused of a crime were entitled to a trial by jury. — True. Athens used large citizen juries (dikasteria) to hear and decide legal cases.

Incorrect choices:
- Citizens voted for members of an elected assembly to represent their interests. — False. Athens practiced direct democracy (citizens voted themselves in the Assembly) rather than choosing representatives for an elected assembly.
- Women were granted the right to vote and to serve on juries. — False. Women, slaves, and resident foreigners (metics) were excluded from political rights.
- Slavery was prohibited. — False. Slavery existed in Athens and was an accepted part of the economy and society.