What made democracy in Athens a limited democracy?

Answer 1

The ancient Greek city-state of Athens is considered to have been organized as a limited democracy during much of its Classical Period simply because its democratic privileges and rights did not extend to all of its members. For instance, only certain males were allowed to vote and to hold public office.

Answer 2

On the contrary, it is American and other modern democracies which are limited. The Athenian direct democracy meant that the citizens met in assembly each fortnight and made direct decisions on the running of the state. Modern democracies are representative democracies where the people elect representatives to a parliament and these representatives, who are supposed to vote the way their electors want, in face vote the way their party wants.

The direct democracy could work in a small city-state where the citizens could walk to the fortnightly assemblies, but this would be physically impracticable in today's large states. However modern communications and computing could easily allow direct voting from a distance. Bur it is no surprise that politicians avoid such an idea like the plague as they try to cling on to their power and pretend it is democratic.

Answer 3

First, it was limited when established by Cleisthenes in 5008 BCE to landowners (they had a personal stake in good government). When Ephialtes restored democracy in 460 BCE after the Oligarchs had made a comeback during the Persian War he expanded it with the full male populace voting in assembly on issued put to it. Then Pericles radicalised it with the Assembly making all decisions and the Council carrying them out between the fortnightly meetings.

Answer 4

It did not include all of the people who lived in the city state.

Answer 5

cause

Answer 6

Juuh