Final answer:
The form of government that originated in ancient Greece and is prevalent in Europe today is democracy, specifically a form of it where citizens had the opportunity to participate directly in decision-making. Over time, governments evolved, and today's democratic systems often incorporate elements of republican representation and constitutional monarchy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The form of government that started in ancient Greece and is widely used throughout Europe today is democracy. Ancient Greek city-states like Athens implemented a system that incorporated a direct form of democracy, where citizens could vote directly on laws and government matters. However, not everyone was eligible to vote; it was a privilege that extended to only about 15% of the populace. After the American Revolution, the new American government turned to republicanism, a form of democracy where citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf. Over time, many constitutional monarchies, which can be considered a fusion of democracy and monarchy, evolved from absolute monarchies.
It's important to note that other forms of government such as oligarchy, where a small group of elite people hold political power, and monarchy, government by a hereditary ruler, were also present in Greek city-states and have had their influences on subsequent European political systems. Aristotle's political analysis suggested monarchy and oligarchy could degrade into tyranny and rule primarily in the interests of the rulers themselves, leading him to consider democracy despite its potential flaws.