What form of government is attributed to the contributions of ancient Greece?

The contributions of ancient Greece to modern governance are most prominently reflected in the establishment of democracy. In ancient Athens, a pivotal development occurred around the 5th century BCE, where citizens participated directly in decision-making processes and had the right to vote on legislation and executive decisions. This form of government empowered individuals, giving them a voice in the political sphere, which was a significant shift from earlier systems that typically concentrated power in the hands of a few, such as monarchs or ruling elites.

Democracy, derived from the Greek words "demos" (the people) and "kratos" (power or rule), emphasizes the role of the citizenry in governance, allowing them to influence laws and policies. This concept laid the groundwork for modern democratic systems that exist today, where representative democracy often mirrors those early ideals by allowing elected officials to represent the will of the people.

While other forms of government like a republic, monarchy, or theocracy have been historically relevant, it is the Athenian experiment with democracy that is most closely associated with ancient Greek contributions to political thought and practice.