Today, in western civilization class we learned about a new type form of government.  What Cleisthenes did was a huge step forward-getting regular folks involved in government.  Citizens could participate- but only one fifth of the population were citizens(free adult male property owners born in Athens.  After several years, Athens, practiced a direct democracy. A direct democracy is where the state is ruled by its citizens. The rule is based on citizenship. Majority decides vote.  In the agora citizens argued and made speeches then voted with white stones for yes and black stones for no.  First practiced under Cleosthenes around 500 BC.  Persian Empire vs. Greece.
Greeks   Vs.      Persians
Greeks had iron weapons, ordinary citizens could arm themselves, foot soldiers with spears shields swords, and home field advantage. Persians had archers cavalry that disrupted generals and soldiers. Lightly armed infantry with spears and swords. Huge numbers and long way from home.