In the course of the 5th century the powers of the strategia were increased by important political functions, especially in foreign affairs; hence the office, unlike that of the archon (q.v.), remained elective and was held by the most important men (e.g. Pericles, Nicias, Alcibiades). As the Boule was the chief adminis trative body, it was necessary to bring the strategi into close con nection with it ; though not members, they were allowed to attend its meetings and to bring motions before it. As the Boule of one year rarely contained members of the previous Boule, the strategi acquired great power from the fact that they were fre quently re-elected for many years together, and so had greater experience and continuity of policy. In the Ecclesia, the strategus' business took precedence (the meetings always discussed first the question of national defence), and he could, in cases of emergency, convene a special meeting (cf. Thuc. ii. 59 and iv. ri8).
The strategia was by no means analogous to the British cabinet which has collective responsibility and whose members are heads of state departments. The strategi had no collective responsibility.
and their appointment for special duties (bri. robs OrXtras, &Krim K. T. X.) dates from the 4th century. Without being actually a foreign office, they acted on Aar a of the Ecclesia in negotiating and concluding treaties and alliances. Their real power was mainly due to two considerations. They were elected, when other great officials were chosen by lot and thus were picked men approved by the Ecclesia. They were capable of re-election and a man who commanded the confidence of the people was often re-elected (e.g., Pericles). Such magistrates gained wide adminis trative experience and enjoying the confidence of the Ecclesia were able to dominate their colleagues and the state (X6'ycp 5ThuoKparta gpyy 8E roi) ri;yrov avbpos Itpx1)). It was to this per sonal ascendancy and hold over the Ecclesia rather than to the constitutional authority of his office that the power of the great strategus was due.