The ancient system of governance credited as the foundation for many democratic practices today is Ancient Athens. This city-state developed a form of direct democracy where eligible citizens could participate in political decision-making. Citizens gathered in the Assembly to discuss and vote on laws and policies, establishing principles of civic engagement and public debate. The political innovations of Ancient Athens, including concepts of citizenship and legal equality, served as inspiration for modern democratic systems, influencing constitutional frameworks and the idea of popular sovereignty that are fundamental to contemporary governance.