Where did democracy take hold during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, democracy began to take hold in various forms primarily in England and parts of Europe. The establishment of the English Parliament in the 13th century marked a significant step towards representative governance, allowing nobles and eventually commoners to have a voice in decision-making. Additionally, some city-states in Italy, such as Venice and Florence, developed forms of republican government that included elected officials. However, these early democratic practices were limited and often coexisted with feudal systems and monarchies.