Read the passage from a speech given by the athenian leader pericles. our constitution does not copy the laws of neighboring states; we are rather a pattern to be imitated than imitators ourselves. its administration favors the many instead of the few; this is why it is called democracy. if we look to the laws, they afford equal justice to all in their private differences. . [c]lass considerations [are not] allowed to interfere with merit; nor again does poverty bar the way, if a man is able to serve the state, he is not hindered by the obscurity of his condition. pericles claimed that the athenian government, unlike other greek city-states, favored its wealthy citizens. kept poor people from serving the state. imitated the laws of its neighbors. treated all its people fairly regardless of class.