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 Council of 500 was responsible for military decisions whereas the Roman Republic did not have a specific body designated for military actions
D. The Athenian polis was ruled by a monarch whereas the Roman Republic used two consuls

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 accurately highlights the distinction in the political structures. The Roman Senate was predominantly composed of the aristocracy (patricians), while Athenian democracy involved a broader participation of citizens through random selection for positions in the Council of 500 and the Assembly (ecclesia), emphasizing the direct involvement of a wider population in the decision-making process.