Sortition

Definition

Sortition is the practice of selecting officials or representatives through random selection rather than through election or appointment. This method was fundamental to Athenian democracy, particularly during its Golden Age, as it aimed to promote equality and prevent corruption by ensuring that all citizens had an equal chance of participating in government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sortition was used to fill most government positions in Athens, including magistrates and members of the Council of 500, ensuring broad citizen participation.
2. By using sortition, Athenian democracy aimed to reduce the influence of wealth and social status on political power, making it more accessible to ordinary citizens.
3. The process of sortition involved a lot-drawing mechanism, which helped to eliminate bias and favoritism in selecting officials.
4. Citizens who were selected by sortition were required to serve, promoting civic duty and engagement among the population.
5. Sortition is seen as a precursor to modern democratic practices and has gained renewed interest as a potential method for improving democratic representation.

Review Questions

• How did sortition contribute to the principles of Athenian democracy during its Golden Age?
  • Sortition played a crucial role in Athenian democracy by promoting equality among citizens in political participation. It ensured that government positions were filled randomly, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to serve in office. This method reduced the influence of wealth and aristocracy, embodying the democratic ideals of equal opportunity and shared governance that were central to Athenian society during its Golden Age.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of sortition in preventing corruption within the Athenian government.
  • Sortition was effective in reducing corruption by limiting the power that could be concentrated in the hands of a few individuals through elections. By randomly selecting officials from a pool of eligible citizens, it minimized political maneuvering and favoritism that often accompanies electoral processes. This system not only promoted fairness but also fostered a sense of civic responsibility among citizens, as they were obligated to serve if chosen.
• Synthesize the implications of sortition for contemporary democratic practices and discuss its relevance today.
  • The use of sortition in ancient Athens provides valuable insights into contemporary democratic practices by highlighting alternatives to traditional electoral systems. Its relevance today lies in its potential to enhance citizen participation and mitigate issues such as political polarization and campaign financing. Modern proponents advocate for sortition as a way to increase diversity in representation and restore public trust in government by ensuring that a broader segment of society is involved in decision-making processes.

Related terms

Democracy: A system of government where the citizens exercise power by voting, typically characterized by fair and free elections.

Ostracism: A political practice in ancient Athens where citizens could vote to exile a public figure for ten years, often used to prevent the rise of tyrants.

Council of 500: An essential governing body in ancient Athens, composed of 500 citizens selected by sortition, responsible for setting the agenda for the Assembly and overseeing various aspects of governance.