Sortition

Definition

Sortition is the practice of selecting individuals for political office or civic duties through random selection, rather than through elections or appointments. This method aims to create a representative and equitable system where all citizens have an equal chance of being chosen, promoting the idea of democracy as a shared responsibility among the populace. Sortition played a crucial role in the development and functioning of Athenian democracy, influencing how decisions were made and how power was distributed among citizens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sortition was widely used in ancient Athens to select officials for various public offices, including the Council of 500, which was responsible for setting the agenda for the Assembly.
2. By relying on random selection, sortition aimed to reduce corruption and ensure that political power was not concentrated in the hands of a few elite individuals.
3. The practice of sortition allowed for greater citizen participation in governance, fostering a sense of collective ownership over political decision-making.
4. Sortition has been recognized as a method to achieve diversity in representation, as it can bring together individuals from different social backgrounds who might not otherwise participate in politics.
5. The principles of sortition have influenced modern discussions about democratic reform and alternative methods for selecting representatives and making policy decisions.

Review Questions

• How did sortition contribute to the evolution of Athenian democracy and its core principles?
  • Sortition was fundamental to the evolution of Athenian democracy as it reinforced the idea that all citizens should have an equal opportunity to participate in governance. By randomly selecting individuals for public office, sortition diminished the influence of wealth and social status, allowing for broader representation among ordinary citizens. This practice exemplified democratic ideals such as equality and collective responsibility, ultimately shaping how decisions were made in Athens.
• In what ways did sortition affect the institutions and practices of Athenian democracy?
  • Sortition impacted various institutions within Athenian democracy by ensuring that many governmental roles were filled randomly rather than through competitive elections. This created a system where citizens from diverse backgrounds could serve in important positions like the Council and juries. Additionally, it encouraged civic engagement as citizens recognized their potential role in governance, thus altering traditional practices around public service and accountability.
• Evaluate the significance of sortition in modern democratic theory and practice, considering its historical roots in Athenian democracy.
  • The significance of sortition in modern democratic theory lies in its challenge to conventional electoral systems that often favor established elites. By highlighting Athenian practices, contemporary discussions about governance increasingly consider sortition as a viable alternative for achieving representative democracy. Its potential to enhance inclusivity and reduce corruption resonates with current movements advocating for more direct forms of citizen involvement in politics. Thus, sortition serves not only as a historical reference but also as a contemporary proposal for revitalizing democratic engagement.

Related terms

Democracy:

A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Assembly:

A gathering of citizens in ancient Athens, where they participated in decision-making on laws and policies, often involving sortition to select members.

Public Office:

Positions within the government or public sector that are filled by individuals responsible for making decisions and implementing policies on behalf of the community.