Based on the above excerpt, which would Pericles think best qualified a person to be elected to public service?

"Our form of government does not enter into rivalry with the institutions of others.We do not copy our neighbors, but are an example to them.It is true that we are called a democracy, for government is in the hands of the many and not of the few.But while the law secures equal justice to all . . . the claim of excellence is also recognized; and when a citizen is in any way distinguished, he is elected to public service, not as a matter of privilege, but as the reward for merit.Neither is poverty a bar, but a man may benefit his country whatever may be the obscurity of his condition."

Pericles in Athens, a Greek city-state, in 400 B.C.

Based on the above excerpt, which would Pericles think best qualified a person to be elected to public service?
A . a citizen who has performed distinguished service
B . a member of a royal family
C . a military leader of Athens
D . a member of the aristocracy
E . an official of the ruling religious group

Answer: A