What influence did Judaism have on the rise of democratic ideas?

There are a number of possible ways to answer this.  Among
them are such points as:

• The idea of equality. 
  Some thinkers argue that Judaism emphasized the worth of the individual because all
  people are children of God.  By doing so, they say, Judaism helped to promote the
  democratic idea that all people are valuable and equal.
  


• The idea of written law.  In the Jewish Bible, God
  essentially makes a deal with the Hebrews.  He gives them the 10 Commandments and agrees
  to treat them well if they obey these laws.  That is similar to creating a constitution
  or other set of written laws.  Democracies have written laws rather than allowing rulers
  to simply do what they want.


• Finally, Judaism has always
  been concerned with ethical actions towards the poor and weak.  It teaches that people
  should protect the weak and care for the poor. This is, arguably, a democratic idea.
  

In these ways, one can argue, Jewish ideals
are in line with democratic ideals and Judaism helped democratic ideas to arise in the
world.