Ancient Athens played a crucial role in the development of democratic governance. Its political system, emerging in the 5th century BCE, established the principles of direct democracy where citizens could participate in decision-making processes. The innovations of Athenian leaders like Cleisthenes and Pericles allowed for broader civic engagement and the establishment of institutions such as the Assembly and the Council. This model inspired later democratic systems, emphasizing citizen participation and the importance of civic duty. Athenian democracy, albeit limited to free male citizens, laid foundational concepts that would influence modern democratic thought and governance worldwide.