What Type of Government Did Athens Have?

In 508 B.C., Athens became one of the first societies in ancient times to establish democracy. During this time, oligarchy, or governing powers shared by a small group of society's members, was the norm. In the Athenian system, magistrates and jurors were picked by lottery from the Assembly, composed of citizens, since it was believed that judgment should come from one's peers. All citizens had the right to bring both private and public matters to the courts.