it was a rise of the independent cities where power in part came from some kind of [granted pretty limited] voting/representation instead of being just an arist

it was a rise of the independent cities where power in part came from some kind of [granted pretty limited] voting/representation instead of being just an aristocratic hereditary thing. The [especially limited] voting/representation naturally allows for high wealth individuals to maneuver into that power. The cities also allowed for that high wealth to be developed by non aristocratic tradesmen. >does anyone who can keep organized for 200 years find themselves maneuvering into the public sector whether they want to or not? i think the answer here is "if you don't do politics politics will do you"