Because all free men in Athens were considered citizens, it meant they were allowed to

To be classed as a citizen in fifth-century Athens you had to be male, born from two Athenian parents and over eighteen years old, and complete your military service. Women, slaves, metics and children were not allowed to become citizens.

Citizens could be involved in the running of Athens and could be chosen for important positions

Explanation:

the answer is a. since they were a huge producer of cotton and wanted the most money for it.