Solons reforms were that all citizens were admitted in the Ekklesia or the Assembly of Athenian citizens and during this period, ordinary people had the right to elect officials as well as hold officials into account. This was made possible when Solon lowered the requirements for people to be admitted. He also classified the people into different groups according to their economic status. He also dismantled large estates that encouraged free trade and commerce led to the rise of a merchant class in Athens. His reforms laid the foundation for democracy in Athens.