Ancient Athens introduced the concept of democracy, characterized by the participation of citizens in political decision-making. This revolutionary system emerged in the 5th century BCE and allowed male citizens, typically landowners, to engage directly in legislative and judicial processes. Public assemblies were held where citizens could vote on various issues, create laws, and hold public officials accountable. Athenian democracy was groundbreaking but also limited, as it excluded women, slaves, and non-citizens. Nonetheless, this pioneering governance model set important precedents for future democratic systems and remains influential in modern political thought about representation and civic engagement.