Sortition

Definition

Sortition is the practice of selecting individuals for political office or decision-making roles through random selection, rather than through elections. This method was a fundamental aspect of Athenian democracy, promoting the idea that every citizen should have an equal chance to participate in governance. It aimed to reduce the influence of wealth and popularity on political power, thereby fostering a more egalitarian system where ordinary citizens could engage directly in public affairs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sortition was used in ancient Athens to select officials for a range of public offices, including members of the council and jurors.
2. This method aimed to prevent corruption and the concentration of power by ensuring that all eligible citizens had an equal chance of being selected.
3. The practice of sortition contributed to the notion of civic duty in Athens, where participation in public service was seen as a responsibility of citizenship.
4. Sortition was not just limited to high offices; it was widely used for selecting individuals for positions such as magistrates and members of various committees.
5. Athenians believed that random selection led to a more representative government since it included individuals from all social classes rather than just the elite.

Review Questions

• How did sortition impact the structure and function of Athenian democracy?
  • Sortition fundamentally shaped Athenian democracy by ensuring that public offices were filled randomly, allowing for broader citizen participation. This method reduced the influence of wealth and personal connections, making it possible for ordinary citizens to take part in governance. As a result, Athenian democracy became more inclusive and aimed at reducing the concentration of power among a select few, thus promoting equality among its citizens.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using sortition as a method for selecting political leaders compared to elections.
  • The advantages of sortition include increased fairness and inclusivity, as it allows individuals from all social backgrounds a chance to serve in government roles without the barriers posed by wealth or popularity. However, disadvantages can arise from a lack of accountability or expertise among randomly selected officials, which may hinder effective governance. In contrast, elections often produce candidates with greater experience or knowledge, but they can also lead to a focus on popularity rather than capability.
• Evaluate the relevance of sortition in contemporary democratic practices and discuss potential applications.
  • In today's context, sortition offers an intriguing alternative to traditional electoral systems that could address issues like voter apathy and corruption. By randomly selecting representatives for certain governmental roles or advisory boards, it could lead to more diverse perspectives and reduce partisan polarization. Exploring applications like citizen assemblies drawn from sortition could enhance civic engagement and ensure that underrepresented voices are heard in decision-making processes.

Related terms

Democracy: A system of government where power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Athenian Assembly: The principal body of Athenian democracy where citizens gathered to discuss and make decisions on important issues, often involving sortition for various roles.

Ostracism:

A political process in ancient Athens where citizens could vote to exile an individual from the city for ten years, reflecting another aspect of citizen involvement in governance.