How Should We Elect Government Officials? Who Should Have the Right to Vote?

Below you will find written arguments forwarded by representatives of the Socratic faction, the Moderate Democrats, and the Oligarchs. Shortly before sundown on the eve of our Assembly, no arguments have been received from the Radical Democrats (Tacey and Brad are scheduled to weigh on questions relevant to the Government Agency and the Electorate).

Patrick (an Oligarch) writes:  I’m in favor of limiting the electorate. We do not need another tyrant to rule. We should move past that and never look back. We should select our leaders by merit rather than by lottery. We propose to limit the vote in the assembly to those who have demonstrated personal merit and competence. People should be chosen by their own substantial estates or at a minimum, those who have served as hoplites and knights or possessed equivalent wealth. People have many duties besides going to assemblies like farmers. During the war, landowners paid the most and highest taxes. The richest citizens had to build and maintain triremes. It was an honor, but it was an expensive obligation. The metics were not the only ones who helped during the war. We helped with the ships and the money to build them. The state revenue went to pay for the rowers. If we keep choosing by a lottery, some people will lose their land and won’t have people to tend their farmland. We have to think what is best for Athens. We force the poor to choose between duty and their family. If they come to the meetings then nobody is watching their farm, therefore, their productivity decreases and their families starve. The assemblies should be filled with people who can make time and hard decisions. It only makes sense to limit the electorate to those who can focus on Athens problems. This allows farmers and other laborers to fulfill their vital duties.

Katelyn (a Socratic) writes:
Today, we all come together and unite as “One”, for this common cause Athenians, however as individuals we are all very diverse. I see farmers, potters, fishermen, even blacksmiths throughout this gathering. How many amongst us claim to be an expert in politics, the matters of war, or what is best for our economy? Very few of us can. That is why we have chosen the lives we live under our chosen works.

So in this discussion, I propose that we allow each specific craft to be carried out by those who are best fit for that task. We wouldn’t ask a farmer to forge a sword. That handiwork is left to the skills of the blacksmith. On the same side, it’d be like telling that blacksmith to grow the food you eat daily. It’s not his profession, nor does he probably have the proper knowledge to perform the task correctly. We rely on the farmers to carry out their expertise in that area, and depend on them to do it properly.

By having everyone participate in these assemblies, is having you be pulled away from your work and those closest to you. Thereby forcing you to choose between your duty to Athens, and the duty to your families and your trade. In the end, each one of us will be forced to choose one. Wouldn’t you agree that it’s in every Athenians best interest to have a knowledgeable Electorate who can focus on the issues and circumstances of our great city consistently and constantly, and allow the rest to fulfill our crucial duties full-time?

We are not seeking the exceptional happiness of any one group, but of the city as a whole. We all make up Athens. Without one group of us skillfully fulfilling our professions, we may not be the city-state we have been, will be, and are today. Each one of us is vital to our success and survival. That is why a governing council would keep the welfare of you, their fellow Athenians, in check. It wouldn’t be in their best interest to turn their backs on you, because you are the legs they stand on.

This is the proposed change we from the Socratic faction wish to make. Think very hard on how you want to spend your time here. Is it by being half-heartedly devoted to a multitude of responsibilities? Or by committing your days to what you are best at, and spending it with those you care the most about?

Becky (a Moderate Democrat) writes:

We pride ourselves on being democratic. But do we understand what that means? Governed by the people, exercised by the people. The Oligarchs are purposing that the assembly be taken over by elected represenatives. What is democtratic about that? The only time we need a committe is when an issue can't be resolved within the assembly. We, the moderate democratics, want everyone to be heard. We don't want any of our citizens to be silenced because they don't have the most money or wern't blessed with good looks. We want the assembly to stay just as it is now. The represenatives are chosen by lot. All Athenians will have an equal shot.

We also want to declare that we feel it is our Athenian right to vote. No matter who we are or how much money we have. The Athenian government doesn't have us fill out an application to serve in the army, to defend this land of ours. If our duty is to serve our country then that is what we will do. Now why isn't the same respect being returned to the citizen of Athens? Why are there regulations on who can vote? If all men are able to serve in the army, then all men should be allowed to vote.

Owning land is also requirment to vote. For most men this becomes a very difficult task. As our fellow Athenian brothers go off to war to fight for Athens, they in turn leave their homes, jobs, and family. While they are away, the wives are left to fend for themselves and the debt keeps accumilating. When these veterans come home they are not greeted with a healthy home, but instead a starving family. So to help our veteren brothers we, moderate democrats, feel it is only right to pay them to attend the assembly. This will help their families get back on thier feet & also help Athens return to the strong city it once was.