Why is Athen's still admired as an early model of democracy?

Athens (no apostrophe) developed as the first and best documented instance of pure democracy in western civilization:

http://www.google.com/search?q=athens+democracy&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA

But when they meant "one man, one vote" they really meant it! Women did not vote; slaves did not vote; even some freedmen who had lived in Athens a while couldn't vote. So read carefully!

=)

Athens is admired as an early model of democracy because it is considered to be the birthplace of democracy and laid the foundation for the democratic principles that are still practiced today. The Athenian democratic system, which existed in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE, had several aspects that made it unique and influential.

To understand why Athens is admired, we need to delve into the characteristics of their democratic system. Here are some key reasons:

1. Direct Democracy: Athens practiced a form of direct democracy, where citizens directly participated in decision-making. The Athenian citizens, who were adult males born to Athenian parents, had the right to vote on laws and policies, propose and debate new laws, and hold public office. This direct participation of citizens in decision-making was a significant departure from earlier systems of government.

2. The Assembly: The cornerstone of Athenian democracy was the Assembly (ekklesia), where all eligible citizens could gather to debate and vote on laws. This direct involvement in decision-making gave the citizens a sense of ownership and control over their government, fostering a sense of civic duty and political engagement.

3. Open Political Offices: Athens had a system of open political offices, meaning that any eligible citizen could hold public office. This inclusivity allowed citizens of all social classes to participate in governance, promoting a sense of equality and reducing the influence of aristocracy.

4. Judicial System: Athens had a public judicial system that allowed citizens to seek justice, and trials were conducted by a popular jury selected from among the citizens. This system emphasized the importance of equal under the law and the right to a fair trial.

5. Freedom of Speech: Athenian democracy valued freedom of speech and encouraged open debate. Citizens had the right to express their ideas openly during Assembly meetings and in public discourse, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange and diversity of opinions.

It is these features of Athens' democratic system that have earned it admiration over the centuries. The principles of direct participation, inclusivity, equality, and freedom of speech embodied in the Athenian model laid the groundwork for the development of modern democratic systems. These ideas have significantly influenced democratic principles and continue to shape democratic societies today.