How Did Democracy Work in Ancient Athens?

“Favoring the Many Instead of the Few”

No exploration of Athenian democracy would be complete without reflecting on Pericles, one of its most influential leaders. In 430 BC, during a state funeral for soldiers who had fallen early in the Peloponnesian War, Pericles delivered a powerful oration, captured by Thucydides.* In this famous speech, known as the Funeral Oration, Pericles articulated a vision of democracy that emphasized individual freedom balanced with collective responsibility.

He declared, “Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to others than imitators ourselves. Its administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called a democracy.” Unlike oligarchies or monarchies of the time, Athenian democracy was driven by the people, not elites. For Pericles, true democracy meant equal opportunity and merit-based advancement, where one’s role in society depended on ability rather than wealth or birth. Though restricted to male citizens, this ideal was groundbreaking in the ancient world.

Pericles praised Athenians for balancing personal freedom with civic duty, a combination that he saw as key to their success. Athenians, he said, “live exactly as we please,” while respecting public law and order. Pericles observed, “We do not feel called upon to be angry with our neighbor for doing what he likes,” but that “all this ease in our private relations does not make us lawless as citizens.” This blend of freedom and responsibility was a core Athenian value and is foundational to modern democratic ideals. For Pericles, active civic participation was essential to a functioning democracy. As he put it, “We regard him who takes no part in these duties not as unambitious but as useless.”

This vision of democracy, which demanded active contribution rather than passive observation, remains one of Pericles’ most enduring legacies. His words challenge modern readers to reflect on the level of commitment and responsibility that democracy requires. Pericles understood that for democracy to thrive, its citizens must be informed, engaged, and willing to prioritize the public good over personal interests.

* Thucydides, “The History of the Peloponnesian War,” London, J.M. Dent; New York, E.P. Dutton. 1910.