MCQ Detailed View

The oldest democracy in the world is Greece, particularly ancient Athens, where the concept of democracy first developed around the 5th century BCE. The word "democracy" itself comes from the Greek words demos (people) and kratos (power), meaning "power of the people."

In ancient Athens, citizens had the right to directly participate in decision-making through assemblies, rather than electing representatives to make laws on their behalf. This system is known as direct democracy. However, it was limited only to free male citizens, excluding women, slaves, and foreigners.

While the United States and modern European countries developed representative democracies centuries later, Greece remains the birthplace and oldest example of the democratic system, shaping political thought across the world.

Key Facts about the Oldest Democracy:

• Country: Greece (Ancient Athens)


• Time Period: Around 5th century BCE


• Type: Direct democracy (citizens voted directly)


• Origin of the word: Democracy = "rule of the people" in Greek


• Limitations: Only free men could participate, not women or slaves


• Legacy: Inspired modern democratic systems worldwide, including the USA and India

Therefore, the correct answer is Greece, as it is the birthplace and the oldest example of democracy in the world.