WORLD CIVILIZATION

Detailed explanation-1: -Although ancient Greek Society was dominated by the male citizen, with his full legal status, right to vote, hold public office, and own property, the social groups which made up the population of a typical Greek city-state or polis were remarkably diverse.

Detailed explanation-2: -Only free adult men who were citizens – about 10% of the population – could vote in Athens’ limited democracy. Women, children, slaves, and foreigners were excluded from participating in making political decisions.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Greek city-states determined citizenship by descent. Most cities demanded that its citizens be able to demonstrate descent from one parent who was a citizen; but often the requirements were more difficult, demanding that the each citizen demonstrate that both parents were citizens.

Detailed explanation-4: -Only free, adult men enjoyed the rights and responsibility of citizenship. Only about 20 percent of the population of Athens were citizens. Women were not citizens and therefore could not vote or have any say in the political process.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Athenian definition of “citizens” was also different from modern-day citizens: only free men were considered citizens in Athens. Women, children, and slaves were not considered citizens and therefore could not vote.