I went for Democracy with one of my heros so i could pump up culture, but after learning it i noticed the build requirement needed a level 5 fountain.
This tech, Biology, is one of the very last techs you learn. I have spoke to a few players that went for Democracy first as well.
I would like to suggest this changed to something else, or, arranged in a better position so that it will not take so long to be able to build the clock tower.