Which political system was first practiced by the Athenian Greeks?

The political system first practiced by the Athenian Greeks was democracy. This unique form of governance emerged in the city-state of Athens around the 5th century BCE. Athenian democracy was characterized by the concept of direct participation of citizens in political decision-making, where eligible males had the right to vote on laws and policies in assemblies, a system that allowed for greater public involvement compared to other forms of governance.

This early democracy laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems and emphasized principles such as equality before the law, civic duty, and the importance of engaging in public affairs. Athenian democracy was groundbreaking in its time, as it encouraged citizens to participate actively rather than leaving power solely in the hands of rulers, which aligns closely with contemporary notions of citizenship and civic engagement.