- Allowed all male citizens to participate in the assembly, regardless of their wealth or social status.
- Introduced payment for public office, allowing citizens from all backgrounds to serve in the government.
- Established the Council of Five Hundred, which was chosen by lot and open to all citizens, ensuring that the government represented the interests of the entire population.
2. Public Works and Patronage
- Invested in public works projects, such as the Parthenon and Propylaea, which provided jobs for citizens and beautified the city.
- Provided financial assistance to poor citizens, including orphans, widows, and the elderly, to ensure that they had a decent standard of living.
3. Cultural and Intellectual Development
- Supported the arts, literature, and philosophy, making Athens the cultural center of the ancient world.
- Promoted education and encouraged intellectual debate, creating an environment that fostered innovation and creativity.
4. Maritime Power
- Developed a powerful navy that protected Athenian trade routes and defended the city from attack, ensuring the economic stability and security of Athens.
5. Social and Legal Reforms
- Implemented legal reforms to ensure equal treatment under the law, regardless of social status.
- Established social programs to provide assistance to vulnerable groups, such as orphans and the disabled.
Pericles' contributions to democracy laid the foundation for the Athenian Golden Age, a time of great cultural, intellectual, and political achievements that left a lasting impact on Western civilization.