Did the ancient Athenians invent democracy?

Answer 1

Yes. Democracy was invented in Athens and used relatively successfully (compared to modern standards) for hundreds of years.
* Yes * There democracy was a direct democracy * In a direct democracy people decide laws and policies at mass meetings
Yes, Athens had a democracy. Pericles, a strong political leader, furthered and promoted Athenian democracy, but did not invent or have the idea of a democracy in Athens.

Answer 2

The type of democracy practiced in Athens of the fifth and fourth centuries may not have been perfect. But it was the best government up to that time and superior to what most of the ancient world was living under. Much of the credit goes to Cleisthenes whose reforms turned Athens from an oligarchy (government by the few) to a democracy (government of the people).