A: Because in Pericles's time,
(1) official positions at all levels are open to all citizens except the ten generals, all of whom are selected by lottery;
(2) The "citizens' assembly", "500-member meeting" and "jury court" have the most full powers.
(1) The citizens' assembly has become the highest authority in the country in fact, and every citizen has the right to speak and vote at the meeting;
(2) Every member of the 500-member assembly has the opportunity to serve as the rotating chairman of the citizens' assembly and take charge of the highest state power.
(3) In order to ensure that all citizens, especially low-level citizens, can actively participate in the political affairs of the country on time, the state pays salaries and allowances to citizens who hold public office and participate in the political activities of the city-state.
(4) The power of the aristocratic meeting is almost exhausted, and it only deals with some matters related to religion.
It further weakened the aristocratic power, reached the peak of Athenian democracy and made brilliant achievements in economic and cultural construction.
What are the limitations of this democratic system?
A: Restrictions:
(1) Democracy is not democracy in the modern sense, but democracy of male citizens in Athens, while immigrants, slaves, citizens of other countries and women have no democratic rights, and it is democracy in a narrow sense.
It is not only the catalyst of great civilization, but also the violent machine of social injustice.