Final answer:
A. The elite often had the skills necessary to sway the assembly and influence one another.
In ancient Athens, the elite influenced democracy through their rhetorical skills and ability to sway the assembly, as evidenced by option A which correctly states that the elite had the skills necessary to influence decisions within the political sphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connection between democracy and the elite in ancient Athens can be discerned by examining the socio-political dynamics of the time. Athenian democracy, particularly at its height under leaders like Pericles and during the reforms of Cleisthenes, allowed all male citizens to vote in the public assembly and to be eligible for public office. However, the elite or aristocrats still had considerable influence, primarily due to their education, rhetorical skills, and resources. They could sway decisions in the assembly and maintain a degree of control over political developments.
From the options provided, the most accurate connection drawn between democracy and the elite is reflected in Option A, which states that the elite often had the skills necessary to sway the assembly and influence one another. This is evident in the fact that Athenian citizens prided themselves on rhetorical skill and argumentative prowess, which were qualities often honed by members of the elite. The reforms brought forth by leaders like Cleisthenes expanded the democratic process to include the poorer citizens, yet the influence of the elite persisted due to their longstanding role in Athenian society.