Ancient Greece, specifically Athens, is credited with the first performance of democracy in the classical sense. This democratic system, developed around the 5th century BCE, allowed eligible male citizens to participate directly in decision-making processes, such as voting on laws and policies. The Athenian democracy was characterized by institutions like the Assembly and the Council of Five Hundred, which facilitated civic engagement and public debate. While Athenian democracy had its limitations, notably excluding women, slaves, and non-citizens, it laid the groundwork for modern democratic principles and governance, influencing political thought throughout history.