What was the process in ancient Athens for temporarily banning ambitious politicians from the city by popular votes?

In ancient Athens, the process for temporarily banning ambitious politicians was called "ostracism." Each year, citizens could vote to exile a politician they deemed a threat to the democracy. If enough votes were cast—typically requiring at least 6,000—against a candidate, that individual would be exiled from Athens for ten years. This practice served as a way to curb excessive power and prevent tyranny.