The public exercised direct democracy, which extended an opportunity for citizens to deliberate on a myriad of government policies before expressing their individual choice through voting. This organizational structure provided the people with a chance to participate in the functioning of their government.
The principle of public participation was further affirmed by the Boules, which ensured that every citizen served in the decision-making Council that supported the public assemblies.
Leaders were also required to abide by term limits, and the term limits ensured no individual person became too powerful. Additionally, all leaders were held accountable while in service, and the public had an opportunity to challenge any malpractice.
Weaknesses of the Athenian democracy include:
The Athenian form of democracy was a contradiction in the sense that it did not allow participation of a large section of the public, namely, women and slaves.
The Athenian democracy was not equitable, and it did not consider slaves and foreigners. Additionally, Athenian women had no place in decision-making.
