Final answer:
Athens transitioned from monarchy to democracy after the Dark Age, under Cleisthenes in 508 BCE, allowing all adult male citizens the right to vote and hold public office in a system of direct democracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the Dark Ages, Athens ended the monarchy and established a democracy. By 508 BCE, under the leadership of Cleisthenes, Athens underwent significant reforms that introduced a new system of government. This gave all adult male citizens, not just the aristocracy, the right to vote in public matters and to be eligible for public office. Athenian democracy was characterized by direct involvement in the legislative process, with laws needing approval from an Assembly that met at least ten times a year. Athenian democracy was groundbreaking, as it allowed citizens to vote directly on legislation and was an early form of self-governance during the Classical Greece period.