Athenian Government

• The Athenian government was democratic
• Major decisions were taken by the assembly , open only to males above the age of 18
• The assembly met regularly to debate issues put forward by a committee, but anyone was allowed to have a say
• The assembly couldn't meet everyday so mundane financial matters and the day to day running of the states' affairs were handled by several smaller committees
• The most important of these was the council, which was made up of 500 men who were selected at random from male citizens over 30
• The council prepared the agenda for the assembly
• There was a permanent sub-committee of 50 members of the council who lived in a special building next to the council chamber
• Members of the council and committee changed every year, making the process fairer
• Although anyone was entitled to speak, meetings were dominated by men of wealth, power and status
• Pericles was the most influential. He was rich, well-bred, a good military commander and very persuasive
• This meant that he was elected general every year for decades
• His proposals were for using the political power and financial resources of Athens to help the poor