How was democracy in Athens similar to the democracy in the US today?

Democracy in Athens and the United States today both emphasize the principle of citizen participation in governance. In Athens, citizens could directly vote on laws and policies, while in the U.S., citizens elect representatives to make those decisions on their behalf. Both systems value civic engagement and the idea of political equality among citizens, although the Athenian model was limited to free male citizens, whereas the U.S. democracy aims for broader inclusivity across gender, race, and socioeconomic status. Additionally, both democracies face challenges such as political polarization and the influence of special interests.