Question

Read the passage from a speech given by the Athenian leader Pericles. Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to be imitated than imitators ourselves. Its administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called democracy. If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences. . . . [C]lass considerations [are not] allowed to interfere with merit; nor again does poverty bar the way, if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition. Pericles claimed that the Athenian government, unlike other Greek city-states, favored its wealthy citizens. kept poor people from serving the state. imitated the laws of its neighbors. treated all its people fairly regardless of class.

Answer 1

What Pericles says in this speech is that a pattern of a constitution that does not imitate anyone is created, which means that it excludes the third option offered. It is further stressed that everyone, regardless of class or property, has the rights to equal justice, nor does the class decide on merit, to anyone capable of serving the state, thus excluding the first and second option.

The correct option is the fourth, because this constitution treats all citizens fairly, favors many instead of a few, and therefore is called democracy.

Answer 2

Pericles claimed that the Athenian government, unlike other Greek city-states, "treated all its people fairly regardless of class," since this was a "direct democracy" in which all eligible citizens could vote.