The civilization considered the cradle of democracy is ancient Greece, particularly the city-state of Athens. In the 5th century BCE, Athens developed a system of direct democracy, where citizens participated directly in decision-making processes. This model empowered citizens to vote on laws and policies, setting the foundation for modern democratic governance. The democratic principles that emerged in Athens included the importance of civic participation, political equality, and the idea that governmental power should derive from the consent of the governed. These concepts have influenced political systems and ideologies worldwide.