Democracy, as a form of government where power is vested in the people, has its origins in ancient Greece, particularly in the city-state of Athens around the 5th century BCE. The Athenian democracy was one of the first known instances where citizens were allowed to directly participate in decision-making. While the rights of participation were limited to free male citizens, this was a revolutionary step compared to earlier forms of government that were based on kings or tyrants. In Athenian democracy, citizens gathered in assemblies to vote on laws and policies, laying the foundation for democratic principles such as equality before the law and popular sovereignty.

The concept of democracy evolved over time and spread across different civilizations, influenced by ideas from the Roman Republic and philosophers like Aristotle and Cicero. In the modern era, democratic principles were further developed through key historical events such as the American and French Revolutions, where ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity were enshrined in new constitutions. Today, democracy is practiced in various forms across the world, from direct democracies to representative democracies, where elected officials make decisions on behalf of the people. Democracy remains a symbol of freedom and justice, constantly adapting to the needs and values of societies. Shutdown123