From the Whole Citizen Body? The Sociology of Election and Lot in the Athenian Democracy

by Claire Taylor

Hesperia, Volume 76, Issue 2
Page(s): 323-345
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25068022
Year: 2007
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ABSTRACT:

In this article the author examines the sociology of selection procedures in the Athenian democracy. The role of election and lot within the political system, the extent (or lack) of corruption in the selection of officials, and the impact of the selection procedure on political life are considered. A comparison of selection procedures demonstrates that the lot was a relatively democratic device that distributed offices widely throughout Attica, whereas elections favored demes near the city. The reasons for these different patterns of participation are examined.