Greek politics, particularly in ancient times, is often associated with the development of democracy in the city-state of Athens. Citizens participated directly in decision-making, voting on laws and policies. This system allowed for a greater involvement of the populace compared to other forms of governance, such as monarchies or oligarchies. In modern Greece, politics is characterized by a parliamentary system. The Hellenic Parliament is the central legislative body, and the Prime Minister leads the government. Political parties play a significant role, with major parties like New Democracy and Syriza competing for power in elections, reflecting a diverse range of political ideologies.