What is the difference from democracy to a government in ancient times?

Democracy, particularly in its modern sense, emphasizes the role of the people in governance through voting and representation, ensuring individual rights and freedoms. In contrast, ancient governments often operated under monarchies, oligarchies, or autocracies, where power was concentrated in the hands of a few or a single ruler, with little to no input from the general populace. Additionally, ancient political systems frequently lacked the institutional frameworks that protect civil liberties and promote civic participation, which are foundational to modern democracies.