The ancient text often considered a foundational document of democracy is the constitution of Athens, specifically the writings attributed to Solon and later reforms by Cleisthenes. Solon's laws in the 6th century BCE established a civic framework based on democratic principles, allowing for broader political participation among free male citizens. Cleisthenes later expanded these ideas, implementing reforms that created a system of direct democracy where citizens could directly partake in decision-making. These early democratic concepts influenced later democratic thought, emphasizing the importance of citizen involvement and self-governance, which became foundational to modern democratic systems.