Picking lawmakers by lottery an old idea
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Re “Plan Would Put Reform in Citizens’ Hands,” Dec. 26
I was interested to learn that the idea of assemblies of citizens, to be chosen by lottery, has gained attention in California. The use of lotteries in governance, far from being a new idea, is among the oldest in the history of democracy.
The ancient Athenians routinely used lotteries to select legislators and magistrates as well as jurors in the 5th century BC, and the Sienese Republic of the 13th and 14th centuries was governed by a board of nine, also selected by lot. In both cases the goal was to counter the inherent advantages held by wealthy families and interest groups -- a consideration that seems of particular significance today.
THOMAS HABINEK
Chair, USC Department of Classics
Los Angeles
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