... poor a chance to participate (Hunt). This was much different than the government prior to Pericles because political roles were only held by those who met the requirements of "birth and wealth " (Excerpts From Aristotle, The Athenian Constitution). Pericles' Funeral Oration supports the new democracy by his statement, "If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private ... added to the Athenian democracy; however, it did have some flaws. While he allowed paid political positions, there was still a lack of balance to the Athenian democracy. For example: foreigners, w...

• Word Count: 626
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... 600 B.C. did not give the lower class thetes who comprised the majority the right to hold office, they could participate in ecclesia, the Assembly, and have their grievances and suggestions known. Aristotle in his Politics, agrees with this decision, and comments that Solon "gave people only the necessary minimum of power" (41). The thetes are later needed to row for the Athenian naval forces ... excluded the majority of the actual inhabitants of ancient Athens from any access to political power and influence. Only male citizens over the age of eighteen could participate in government, ...

• Word Count: 1562
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate