Athenian Opinion of Today's Government

An ancient Athenian would probably find many flaws with our system of governing, but would be overall glad and proud that democracy has survived and flourished at all. The Athenians believed strongly in their democracy, and fought hard to protect it, and they would be happy to know that others continued in that tradition. However, I think they would also be appalled at how little the average individual can participate in government. In Athens, virtually every citizen had a role in the government; we don't. They would also be shocked to know that people make a career out of politics; in Athens no one served for very long at all.