Cleisthenes introduced in Athens an isonomic government, in which equal rights were granted for all men. Council members from the different regions were elected by sortition, a system in which citizens were selected randomly for government positions. Furthermore, all male citizens over 18 years old, born in Athens could participate and discuss in the assemblies.
Cleisthenes reformed Athenian democracy by establishing that Council members were chosen randomly, and men could present laws for debate in assembly.
He believed that the colonists should fight for their freedom from Great Britain. Paine believed that if the colonists believed in themselves and in the causes for which they were fighting, success would follow.
