Pericles has been called 'the first citizen of Athens'. The reason why he was called this by some is because he was responsible for great social, political and economical improvements during his reign. He expanded the idea of Greek democracy among its people and made it more an "every-day term and idea" which was being used in Athenian homes. He also strengthened the Delian alliance which existed at the time and made it into a proper Athenian Empire.