How were members of the Counsel of 500 selected?

The correct method for selecting the members of the Council of 500 in ancient Athens was through a random lottery. This approach was grounded in the democratic principle of equal opportunity for all citizens to participate in governance. The lottery system aimed to prevent the concentration of power and ensure that a diverse range of citizens could have a say in political matters, reflecting a belief in the inherent equality of all participants in the democratic process. By using a lottery system, Athens sought to minimize the influence of wealth, status, or political connections that might arise from merit-based elections or appointments. This method reinforces the idea that every citizen, regardless of their background, had an equal chance of serving in the political assembly.