Read the passage from a speech given by the Athenian leader Pericles.Our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to be imitated than imitators ourselves. Its administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called democracy. If we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences. . . . [C]lass considerations [are not] allowed to interfere with merit; nor again does poverty bar the way, if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition. Pericles claimed that the Athenian government, unlike other Greek city-states,
Answer
A
favored its wealthy citizens.
B
kept poor people from serving the state.
C
imitated the laws of its neighbors.
D
treated all its people fairly regardless of class.
Explanation
Pericles says Athenian government favored the many and gave equal justice to all. He also states that class and poverty did not prevent a person from serving the state if they had the ability. Therefore, he claimed Athens treated people fairly regardless of class; the other choices contradict the passage.
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