The main characteristics of Athenian democracy

Sovereignty lies with the people: Pericles said in a famous speech at the funeral: "Our political system is called democracy because the political power is in the hands of citizens all over the country, not a few people." Aristotle also believes that the essential feature of Athens, a civilian regime, is that "civilians must have the highest power; Political affairs are determined by the will of the majority, and the will of the majority is justice. " (Aristotle: "Politics") The characteristic that sovereignty belongs to the people is that (1) the citizens' assembly is the highest organ of state power in the state power structure; (2) The court in which all citizens can participate has the same political status as the citizens' assembly. Athens citizens who have reached the age of 20 collectively form a "citizens' assembly", which holds 40 meetings regularly every year. Convene a special meeting at the request of the Council. It decides on bills submitted by the Council. Major issues of the country are approved by the General Assembly and made public. The "Committee" is a permanent institution composed of citizens. It proposes bills and implements them after the decision of the citizens' assembly. Citizens have actual control over officials and laws, and they realize this power through the courts. Members of the court (or jurors) are nominated by each district, and any citizen over the age of 30 can be elected to this position. A total of 6,000 jurors are elected every year, and then they are assigned to various courts by lot to exercise their functions and powers. The characteristics of "sovereignty belongs to the people" are that Athenian citizens take turns to govern, Athenian politics is open to all citizens, and citizens have many opportunities to participate in politics. According to Aristotle's estimation, 1 of every six Athenian citizens may hold some kind of public office every year. Even if you don't have any public office, you still have the opportunity to attend 40 citizen meetings every year to discuss the major issues of the city-state, and you have the right to make the choices you think fit. Power restriction: Parliament, as an authority with legislative, administrative and judicial functions, is restricted by the citizens' assembly and the court with direct and extensive participation of the people. The court also controls officials and laws. In particular, the shell exile law is an important means for all Athenian citizens to control senior administrative officials. Shell Exile Law is a modern impeachment law for senior executives. The supremacy of law: Athens' political system strictly implements the rule of law and prohibits man from ruling. The supremacy of law is embodied in the rule of law, and everyone is equal before the law. Officials must enforce the law impartially, without seeking personal gain or favoritism. Once they break the law, they will be punished. At the same time, Aristotle strongly opposed the rule of man and thought that the rule of law should be superior to the rule of one person. Who said that one person should rule, which is mixed with animal factors in politics. Civic consciousness: For the Athenians, it is glorious and noble to be an Athenian citizen because the political power of the polis is in the hands of citizens, who take turns to govern. Therefore, the concept of citizens, citizenship, citizens' rights and obligations have become the primary issues of city-state life. Public office in Athens is open to all citizens. As citizens, they not only have extensive political participation rights, but also have the possibility of holding various official positions. They take turns to be rulers and ruled, can rise or fall, and can work for the people. This is the simple and true concept of equality, freedom and justice of the Athenians.