Democracy first developed in ancient Athens, a city-state in Greece. In the 5th century BCE, Athens instituted a system of direct democracy, where citizens participated in decision-making assemblies and voted on key issues. This political structure was revolutionary for its time, giving free male citizens a voice in government, while excluding women, slaves, and foreigners. The Athenian model emphasized participation and civic engagement, paving the way for future democratic practices. Classical philosophers like Socrates and Plato contributed to the development of democratic ideals, influencing political thought for centuries to come.