The reform of the Areopagus finally put the entire sovereign power (kratos) in the hands of the whole citizenry (demos). The nine city magistrates (archons)were selected annually by lot, from the citizen body, as a precaution against corruption; the ten generals were elected annually but could be repeatedly reelected. All officials were subjected to scrutiny at the end of their term of office. The generals had responsibility for more than just military affairs, although since all citizens and some metics were liable for military service, and the Athenians were almost always fighting somewhere
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