Question

In Athens, by the mid-fifth century B.C., every male citizen

a. was lower class
b. voted on all major issues
c. was in the military
d. broke pottery

Answer 1

In the mid-fifth century B.C. in Athens, every male citizen had the right to vote on all major issues, which was a result of the reforms instituted by Cleisthenes in 508 BCE, marking the beginning of Athenian direct democracy.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the mid-fifth century B.C., every male citizen of Athens had the right to vote on all major issues. Athens had developed a direct democracy, where citizens could sit in the Athenian Assembly to discuss and approve laws, declare war, and approve treaties. The Assembly was the heart of Athenian democracy, and every male citizen was encouraged to participate.

While direct democracy included all male citizens, it is important to note that this did not represent the entire population. Women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from political life. Cleisthenes, in 508 BCE, revolutionized Athenian democracy by allowing all male citizens, including the poor, to vote and be eligible for public office. This move laid the foundation for what is often cited as the first 'real' democracy, despite its limitations and exclusions.