The document summarizes the development of Athenian democracy from the 8th century BCE through the reforms of Solon and Cleisthenes. It describes how Solon reformed the aristocratic government in 594 BCE by cancelling debts and banning debt slavery. It then discusses how Cleisthenes further advanced democracy in the 6th century BCE by empowering local districts and implementing a new system of voting, jury courts, and the ability to exile politicians through ostracism.