Question

were in absolute slavery to the rich... the whole country was in the hands of a few persons, and if the tenants failed to pay their rent, they were liable to be forced into debt - slavery and their children with them... but the hardest and bitterest part of the condition of the masses was the fact that they had no share in the offices then existing under the constitution. at the same time they were discontented with every other feature of their lives; for, to speak generally, they had no part nor share in anything.
from: aristotle, the athenian constitution, c. 4th century b.c.e. aristotle was commenting on how the government of athens developed over time.
the circumstances described in this passage about athens most directly contributed to which of the following?
choose 1 answer:
a armed uprising against the elites
b formation of an oligarchy
c abolition of slavery
d formation of a democracy

Explanation:

The passage describes the masses in Athens being oppressed (no political share, debt - slavery, etc.). The discontent of the masses led to a push for a system where more people could have a say. The formation of Athenian democracy was a response to the grievances of the lower classes who wanted political participation. Option A: There was no armed uprising described as a direct result. Option B: Oligarchy is rule by a few, which was the existing problem, not the result. Option C: Slavery was not abolished in this context. So the circumstances led to the formation of democracy.

Answer:

D. Formation of a democracy