The word 'democracy' comes from the Greek words 'demos' (people) and 'kratos' (rule), meaning 'rule by the people.'

The first known democracy was established in the ancient Greek city-state of Athens in the 5th century BCE.

Athenian democracy was a direct democracy, where eligible citizens participated directly in decision-making.

The Roman Republic had democratic elements, such as elected assemblies, but was largely oligarchic.

After the fall of Rome, democratic ideas largely disappeared in Europe for centuries.

Modern democracy began to re-emerge during the Enlightenment, with philosophers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

The American and French Revolutions were pivotal events that established the first modern democratic republics.

Throughout the 19th century, democratic rights, particularly the right to vote, were gradually expanded to more people.

The 20th century saw three major 'waves' of democratization, including the period after World War II and the period after the collapse of communism.

Today, democracy is a globally recognized ideal, though its practice and form vary widely.