Question

Concerning the Greek concept of democracy, which of the following statements is false? (A.) It was first conceived and practiced in Athens. (B.) Men and women over age 16 were considered citizens. (C.) You could vote if you were a male who owned property. (D.) The root of the word, "demos," means "the people."

Answer 1

The old Greek concept of democracy is misunderstood by the common sense. The term does not mean that everybody had the right to vote: only some men, with propriety, could. Women could not exercise the "democratic" right of vote in any state of the world, at least until the XX century, and were not considered citizens of any Greek state. The concept of "citizen" was limited exclusive to the same men that could vote. The answer is: B.