6.2.3.1 How Was the Government of Ancient Athens Structured?

6.2.3.2 How did the structure of the government in ancient Athens provide opportunities for citizens to
participate in decision-making?
Government positions held by ordinary citizens, rich or poor, with equal chances of being elected
Lottery to chose government equal chances for everyone
Short terms of power no one controls government for too long
Assembly gave all citizens a chance to be heard direct democracy
Every citizen was considered equal, and any citizen could bring up laws
6.2.3.3 How did identity, status and class structure impact citizenship in ancient Athens?

Female Citizens had little say in any

aspect of life in Athens
Stayed home to raise children
Did household tasks, weaved
Only left the house to participate
in religious ceremonies
Always had a male guardian to
look after and accompany her
6.2.3.4 How did the social structure of ancient Athens impact its political structure?
Citizenship was a great responsibility, so you had to earn it.
Citizens owned slaves, which gave citizens time to participate in government.
Citizens spent long hours talking about politics in the marketplace, assembly or work.
Slaves were usually uneducated and served owners, but made democracy in Athens possible.
Metics were trusted to live in Athens but were considered foreigners
Women had few rights and their main role was to obey a man. They were important, but had no
involvement in politics

6.2.3.5 To what extent were democratic ideals of equity and fairness part of the structure of government and
society in ancient Athens?
Slavery was accepted
Women were closed off from most of society
Immigrants (metics) were not allowed to participate, even though they were an important part of
Athenian life
Most residents of Athens could not participate in government.
Individual rights were not important compared to what the majority wanted. (ostracisms)
The courts had no real rules of evidence it was just who could convince the jury better
At the time (500 BCE), most of the world was ruled by kings and tyrants while Athens was governed by
the people. Every citizen had a voice.
Athenian citizens were directly involved in politics.