Democratic Athens

Democratic Athens, around the 5th century BCE, was one of the earliest forms of democracy where citizens actively participated in decision-making. Eligible citizens could attend the Assembly to debate and vote on laws and policies directly. Key officials were chosen by lot, promoting equality among free men. While it limited political participation to male citizens, Athens' system laid important foundations for democratic governance by emphasizing direct involvement, civic responsibility, and collective decision-making in the running of the city-state.