The country that is considered the birthplace of democracy around the 5th century BC is Greece, particularly within the city-state of Athens. Athenian democracy was characterized by direct participation of citizens in legislative decision-making, public debates, and the selection of officials. Citizens were given equal opportunity to have a voice in governance, albeit this excluded women, slaves, and non-citizens. Innovations in political organization, such as the assembly, council, and courts, laid the foundations for modern democratic systems. This democratic model served as a powerful example and greatly influenced political thought in the Western world.