Final answer:
The growth of Constantinople was primarily due to its strategic location away from enemies, the city's strong defenses, and its role in trade routes such as the Silk Road, while democratic involvement was not a contributing factor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that contributed to the growth of Constantinople include its distance from potential enemies, the safety provided by location and defenses, and its connection to trade routes. The city's strategic position controlled the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, serving as a gateway between Europe and Asia and securing a prime spot on the Silk Road. Its impregnable defenses ensured safety from invaders, and the city's role as a commercial hub attracted wealth through trade. The splendor of Constantinople, regulated by a system of guilds, and its diplomacy, also played a critical role in its growth. However, democratic involvement from all citizens was not a factor in the city's growth, as governance was largely controlled by the imperial administration.