<P> The concepts ( and name ) of democracy and constitution as a form of government originated in ancient Athens circa 508 B.C. In ancient Greece , where there were many city - states with different forms of government , democracy was contrasted with governance by elites ( aristocracy ) , by one person ( monarchy ) , by tyrants ( tyranny ) , etc. , </P>
where did the idea of democracy come from
in ancient Athens circa 508 B.C.