Why was ostracism practiced in ancient Athens?

Question

to allow officials to decide on laws
to allow immigrants to become citizens
to force people to participate on a jury
to remove people who were too powerful

Answer 1

Ostracism was practiced in ancient Athens primarily to remove people who were too powerful. This political system allowed the citizens to vote to exile individuals for ten years if they believed that person posed a threat to the democracy or was becoming too powerful. This mechanism was intended to prevent any single individual from gaining excessive influence or control, thus helping to maintain the balance of power within the democratic system of Athens.