The Origins of Democracy

Question 5 • CCS CR - Founding Principles of the US and NC: Civic Literacy (Fall 2026)

Which statement best describes how American government compares to the one that existed in ancient Athens?

Answer

Both governments used random selection to choose citizens to serve in the legislature.

Both governments eventually gave the right to vote to women and enslaved people.

Both governments encouraged citizens to participate in the decision-making process.

Both governments allowed citizens to vote directly on nearly every important decision.

Explanation

Both ancient Athens and the American government valued citizen participation in public affairs. In Athens, eligible male citizens could take part directly in the Assembly; in the United States, citizens participate through voting and other civic activities, often choosing representatives to make decisions. The systems were not identical: the United States does not generally use random selection to fill its legislature or let citizens vote directly on nearly every major decision.

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