Which statement best explains the differences between the democracy of the Athenian polis and the structure of the Roman Republic?

Question

A. The consuls of the Roman Republic dictated the agenda of the Tribal Assembly whereas the Athenian democracy was decided by the council of 500
B. The Senate of the Roman Republic was composed of wealthy patrician magistrates whereas the Athenian ecclesia and Council of 500 were made up of various citizens drawn by lot from different territories within Athens
C. The Athenian polis was ruled by a monarch whereas the Roman Republic used two consuls
D. The Athenian Council of 500 was responsible for military decisions whereas the Roman Republic did not have a specific body designated for military actions

Answer 1

The statement that best explains the differences between the democracy of the Athenian polis and the structure of the Roman Republic is:

B. The Senate of the Roman Republic was composed of wealthy patrician magistrates whereas the Athenian ecclesia and Council of 500 were made up of various citizens drawn by lot from different territories within Athens.

This statement highlights the fundamental distinction between the elitist nature of the Roman Senate, which was made up of wealthy and powerful individuals (patricians), and the more inclusive nature of Athenian democracy, where many governmental roles were filled by ordinary citizens chosen by lot, emphasizing broader participation in governance.