This book is concerned with the public aspects of the life of Athenian citizens in the period from c.450 to 322 BC. Its central purpose is a critical assessment of the character and extent of citizens’ participation in the running of the democracy, by raising certain fundamental questions. By what means and through which institutions did Athenian citizens participate in the public life of Athens? Professor Sinclair’s analysis is made from the point of view of the individual citizen - his privileges and opportunities, his responsibilities, the rewards and the dangers of exploiting the opportunities available to him.