Sortition, in the historical context of ancient Greek political systems, is a distinctive method of appointing individuals to public offices or positions through a process akin to a lottery or random selection. Originating in Athens, the cradle of democracy, sortition was a fundamental element of the democratic governance model during the classical era.
Unlike modern electoral systems that rely on voting and merit-based appointments, sortition involved the random assignment of citizens to various governmental roles. This inclusive approach aimed to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few elite individuals and reduce the potential for corruption or undue influence. By selecting officials through a lottery system, proponents of sortition believed that individuals chosen would be less likely to engage in political maneuvering or be swayed by personal interests, fostering a more egalitarian and participatory political environment.
In Athens, where sortition was notably employed, citizens were eligible for selection based on certain criteria such as age, citizenship, and, in some cases, attendance at political assemblies. Those selected through the lot were then tasked with responsibilities ranging from legislative duties to administrative functions. The concept of sortition reflected a commitment to the democratic ideals of equality and citizen involvement, ensuring that a broader cross-section of the population had the opportunity to contribute to the governance of the city-state.
