Final answer:
Democracy in ancient Greece primarily arose under the leadership of Cleisthenes and the reforms implemented by Solon. Cleisthenes allowed all male citizens to vote and hold office, while Solon's earlier efforts improved citizen participation and set the stage for further democratic development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Democracy came to ancient Greece through a series of reforms and changes in governance. Cleisthenes, an important figure in the development of Athenian democracy, restructured the political system in 508 BCE, allowing all male citizens, including those without land or wealth, to vote and serve in public office. His reforms included the creation of new tribes that mixed people of diverse backgrounds, thereby diluting the power of aristocratic families and fostering a sense of unity among Athenians.
Solon, another key statesman, introduced reforms around 600 BCE which laid the groundwork for democracy by allowing all male citizens to participate in electing local leaders and attempting to outlaw debt slavery. Although Solon's changes did not establish full democracy, they were significant in moving towards greater inclusivity in the political process.
The changes brought by such leaders are viewed as pivotal steps towards the formation of a democracy in which citizens could vote directly on laws and executive bills. Athenian democracy, however, was not all-encompassing, restricting political participation to a minority of the population—specifically, adult, land-owning men.