They were expected to attend the fortnightly assembly to decide on actions to b carried out by the council.
They had to serve on the council of 500 when chosen by lot.
They were called up for jury service, with several juries of 500 sitting at a time.
They had to turn out under army when there was a threat or expedition.
They had to attend monthly military training drill.
The main criticism of ancient Athenian democracy is the limitations Athenian law placed upon who could be considered a citizen. The only Athenians who were considered full citizens were Athens-born men of at least 18 years of age. And to be considered Athens-born, both of one's parents had to have been citizens. But while women could be considered citizens, they had no voice in the Assembly, and no real rights within the democracy. Furthermore, slaves had no voice whatsoever in the Athenian democracy.
Athens was the spear head of democracy. Athenians placed a high value on study and intellect. This intellectual culture and the studies of science, philosophy and history lead to a democratic system. Not all of the Greek city-states had a democracy, for example Sparta had two kings and the Minoans had a monarchy as well.
Sparta had a conquered territory which was far greater than that or other Greek cities, including Athens, except when the latter briefly got itself an empire. Sparta had a limited democracy, where the citizens voted on motions placed before them by the magistrates. Athens had a fifty-year era of direct democracy where the citizens voted and the magistrates implemented. However this then reverted to the limited democracy maintained by the Spartans and others. Spartan women had considerable freedoms. In Athens women were kept in virtual purdah, running the household and raising children. Sparta was conservative in its approach to other city-states, avoiding conflict as much as it could, but exercising its power when forced to. Athenians were adventurous, taking advantage of any opportunity which presented to extend its influence and power.
Athens placed more emphasis on democracy, culture, and intellectual achievements. The city was known for its development of democratic governance, where citizens actively participated in decision-making. Additionally, Athens fostered a rich cultural environment, excelling in philosophy, arts, and theater, with figures like Socrates, Plato, and playwrights like Sophocles and Aristophanes emerging in this vibrant atmosphere. This focus on civic engagement and cultural development distinguished Athens from other city-states in ancient Greece.
In Athens, citizens had more freedom in terms of intellectual pursuits, involvement in politics, and personal expression. Athenian women also had a bit more freedom compared to Spartan women. Sparta, on the other hand, placed a strong emphasis on military training and obedience to the state, leading to a more regimented and restricted lifestyle for its citizens.
Laws that are made directly by the people are known as initiatives or referendums. Initiatives are proposed laws that are placed on the ballot for voters to approve or reject, while referendums are laws passed by the legislature that are then voted on by the public. Both allow citizens to have a direct impact on the laws that govern them.
Although historical records are not completely clear, it is generally agreed that near the beginning of the 5th century B.C.E., democracy first appeared in Athens -- and perhaps this was its first appearance throughout the world. Under the leadership of Cleisthenes, the Athenians overcame yet another dictatorial ruler and then instituted a variety of reforms that placed power in the hands of citizens and otherwise instituted democratic practices throughout Athenian government.
Unwanted babies were exposed to the elements throughout Greece. They were not, however, placed by Hestia's altar in Athens.
Sparta had a simpler way of life compared to Athens. Spartan society focused on military training, discipline, and physical fitness, while Athens was known for its democracy, culture, and intellectual pursuits. Spartans valued discipline, loyalty to the state, and physical strength, whereas Athenians placed more emphasis on education, arts, and political participation.
Americans drew inspiration from Athenians primarily in the realm of democracy and civic engagement. The Athenian model of direct democracy, where citizens participated actively in decision-making, influenced the development of American democratic principles. Additionally, Athenian emphasis on public debate and the importance of rhetoric shaped American political discourse and the value placed on free speech. Overall, the ideals of civic responsibility and participation from ancient Athens significantly impacted the foundation of American governance.
Athens was known for its focus on education, democracy, and the arts, while Sparta emphasized military training, discipline, and obedience to the state. Athens valued individualism and intellectual pursuits, while Sparta placed importance on physical strength, obedience, and military prowess. Overall, Athens was more focused on culture and intellectual development, while Sparta prioritized military strength and discipline.
Both Sparta and Athens placed importance on education, but they had different focuses. Sparta emphasized physical training and military education, preparing its citizens for warfare. Meanwhile, Athens valued intellectual and cultural development, with a focus on subjects like philosophy, arts, and sciences, aiming to produce well-rounded individuals.