Final answer:
Athens did not imitate another country to form its democratic government but developed it internally through reforms instigated by leaders like Cleisthenes and Solon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The city of Athens is often recognized as the birthplace of democracy; however, it did not imitate another country to form its democratic government. Instead, Athenian democracy emerged around the 5th century BCE through a series of internal developments and reforms. Prior to this, Athens, like many other Greek city-states, was governed by monarchs, aristocrats, or tyrants.
The pivotal point in the evolution of Athenian democracy was under the leadership of Cleisthenes in 508 BCE, who implemented far-reaching democratic reforms. These reforms included granting all male citizens the right to vote and introducing a system where public officials were chosen by lot, a form of sortition. Among those contributing to democratic reforms were impactful figures like Solon, who laid the groundwork by curbing the power of the aristocracy and involving more citizens in the governance process.
It's important to note that Athenian democracy was not inclusive by modern standards, as it excluded women, slaves, and non-citizen residents. The democracy also evolved during a time of prosperity, particularly after the defeat of the Persians which ushered in the Golden Age of Athens under the leadership of Pericles. Athenian democracy influenced many subsequent forms of government, including modern democracies, though these were often developed independently and with their own distinct features.