Final answer:
Athenian democracy was a form of direct democracy where only male citizens had the right to vote and participate in political decision-making. Over time, reforms, most notably by Cleisthenes in 508 BCE, expanded political participation to a wider group of male citizens. However, women, slaves, and foreign residents were excluded from the political process.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Greek Democracy Worked
The democracy of ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, was a pioneering system where citizenship and political participation were tightly interwoven. Athenian democracy was characterized by a direct democratic process where citizens (specifically adult, land-owning men) had the opportunity to vote directly on legislation and executive bills. It is estimated that about 15% of Athenians were eligible to vote, numbering between 30,000 and 50,000 individuals out of a total population of about 250,000 to 300,000.
Athenian Democratic Institutions
Over the centuries, Athens evolved from a system ruled by aristocrats to a more inclusive form of governance due to socio-economic pressures and the will of its people. The Assembly of the People was the heart of the Athenian direct democracy, open theoretically to all citizens of Athens. With encouragement of inclusivity, Athens supported citizens with governmental resources to involve those who were poor or uneducated in the political process.
Notably in 508 BCE, Cleisthenes reorganized the system allowing all male citizens to vote and be eligible for public office. New tribes and lawmakers chosen by lot aimed at reducing familial and economic divides among Athenians.
Citizens could also be chosen by lot to sit in the Council, and all citizens served on juries. Important matters, including declaring war and approving treaties, were exclusively decided by the Assembly. However, women, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from participating in Athens's political process.