What common trait did both Greece and Rome share in terms of government?

Both Greece and Rome shared the characteristic of citizen participation in government, which was a fundamental aspect of their political systems differing significantly from autocratic or monarchical rule. In ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, this was expressed through direct democracy, where citizens had the right to vote on legislation and executive decisions. Although there were variations depending on city-state, the concept of belonging to a body of citizens who had a voice in government matters was prevalent.

Similarly, in Rome, while the system evolved from a monarchy to a republic and then into a complex imperial structure, the idea of citizen participation remained pivotal, especially during the Republic. Citizens, particularly those of the upper classes known as patricians, could participate in the Senate and assemblies, where they could influence laws and policies. Thus, both ancient cultures emphasized the role of their citizens in shaping governance, reflecting democratic ideals that would influence future political structures.

In contrast, strong military oversight, strict social hierarchies, and a focus exclusively on an agricultural economy, while present to varying degrees in both civilizations, do not define their governments in the same way as citizen participation does. Military oversights were more crucial to the functioning of states rather than being a direct trait of governance. Similarly, both cultures had social