Understanding Democracy: Athens and America

What does 'democratia' mean in Greek?

• Rule of the wealthy

• Rule of the soldiers

• Rule of the people

• Rule of the kings

What was a key factor in the development of democracy in Athens?

• Agricultural advancements

• Religious beliefs

• Military service and political power

• Trade with neighboring states

Who was responsible for the first major reform in Athens?

• Cleisthenes

• Aristotle

• Solon

• Pericles

What was the primary role of the Assembly in Athens?

• To elect generals

• To make laws

• To judge legal cases

• To collect taxes

What was the role of the Council of 500 in Athens?

• To collect taxes

• To judge legal cases

• To prepare issues for the Assembly

• To elect the president

How were public officials chosen in Athens?

• By birthright

• Randomly by lot

• By wealth

• Military achievements

What was the main purpose of the People's Courts in Athens?

• To oversee military decisions

• To elect officials

• To decide legal cases

• To draft new laws

Who could be ostracized in Athenian society?

• Any citizen causing trouble

• Only military leaders

• Non-citizens only

• Any citizen chosen by lot

Who could participate in Athenian democracy?

• All residents of Athens

• Only male citizens

• Both men and women citizens

• All Greek-speaking people

Why were slaves and women excluded from Athenian democracy?

• Due to their economic status

• They were not Greek citizens

• Because they were considered dependents

• Lack of military service