The ancient Greek city-state known for its early use of democracy is Athens. Emerging in the 5th century BC, Athenian democracy allowed male citizens to participate directly in decision-making processes. Citizens could vote on laws, participate in assemblies, and engage in public discourse, promoting a sense of civic engagement. This form of government laid the foundational principles for modern democratic systems, emphasizing the importance of citizenship and individual rights. While exclusionary to women and slaves, Athenian democracy was revolutionary for its time and significantly influenced later political thought.