The foundation of modern democracy in ancient Greece can be traced back to the city-state of Athens. In the 5th century BCE, Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced reforms that established a more direct form of governance, allowing citizens to participate actively in political decision-making. This assembly allowed free male citizens to debate and vote on legislation, setting the groundwork for democratic principles like popular sovereignty and civic engagement. Despite its limitations—excluding women, slaves, and non-citizens—Athenian democracy significantly influenced the development of political systems throughout the Western world, emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement in governance.