Democracy takes effort

I found it very interesting that the foundation of democracy taking place in Athens only really lasted for about 70 years. It then turned into a aristocracy under Pericles. It seems that it's hard to maintain this kind of government (democracy) and that societies tend to adopt a government of aristocracy easier. I wonder why that is? Survival of the strongest and fittest? Do we feel most comfortable being ruled by a person we deem to be stronger, smarter, etc. than us? Personally, I consider a government of democracy to be further advanced than aristocracy. So to think that societies would naturally slip into aristocracy makes me think humans are lazy. It takes time and effort to make your voice, the common man, be heard. To step up and not let the biggest among us to decide everything for us. And to organize and arrange a government where huge groups are involved and the common man has a voice takes a lot of effort. Just a thought I had... I hope you all give me your opinions on this matter.