History glossary
Assembly
the gathering of Athenian male citizens where major public decisions could be debated and voted on.
- Category
- Political institution
- Region
- Ancient Athens
What it means
The Athenian Assembly was the central citizen meeting of democratic Athens. Eligible male citizens could attend, debate, vote on laws and policies, and help decide questions of war, peace, officials, and public life. It was a form of direct democracy, though women, enslaved people, and foreigners were excluded.
Related terms
Stories using this term
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