Sparta had a highly unusual system of government. Two kings ruled the city, but a 28-member ‘council of elders’ limited their powers . These men were recruited from the highest social class, the aristocratic Spartiates.
Was Sparta a democracy?
In the following centuries, Sparta became a military superpower, and its system of rule was admired throughout the Greek world for its political stability. ... However, despite these democratic elements in the Spartan constitution, there are two cardinal criticisms, classifying Sparta as an oligarchy.
What type of government did ancient Sparta have?
Sparta had a highly unusual system of government. Two kings ruled the city, but a 28-member ‘council of elders’ limited their powers . These men were recruited from the highest social class, the aristocratic Spartiates.
Did the Spartans have a monarchy?
Spartan political system was a combination of monarchy (kings) , oligarchy (Gerousia) and democracy (ephoroi, ephors). Oligarchy– Sparta always had two kings, the state was ruled by two hereditary kings of the Agiad and Eurypontid families (probably the two gens had great merits in the conquest of Laconia).
What kind of government did Sparta have quizlet?
Sparta was called an oligarchy because the real power was in the hands of a few people. The important decisions were made by the council of elders. Council members had to be at least 60 and wealthy. Council members served for life.
In what way was spartan government like a democracy?
Sparta was not a democracy . Like in its famous army, decisions were made by a small group of people and the rest had to obey. ... Spartans did not write much. They passed on their laws and traditions orally from father to son (women were not considered citizens and could not participate in government).
Was Sparta a dictatorship?
Among the ancient city-states, Sparta was the most feared. It had evolved over 700 years into a repressive oligarchic society that has been portrayed by political scientists as the model for the 20th-century totalitarian dictatorship of Nazi Germany , Soviet Russia, Fascist Italy, and Communist China.
How did the government in Sparta differ from the government in Athens?
Sparta was ruled by two kings , who ruled until they died or were forced out of office. Athens was ruled by archons, who were elected annually. Thus, because both parts of Athens’ government had leaders who were elected, Athens is said to have been the birthplace of democracy. Spartan life was simple.
Which best describes the Spartan government?
Which best describes the Spartan government? It had elements of democracy, oligarchy, and monarchy . ... It was both a democracy and a monarchy.
What was Athens government?
The first known democracy in the world was in Athens. Athenian democracy developed around the fifth century B.C.E. The Greek idea of democracy was different from present-day democracy because, in Athens, all adult citizens were required to take an active part in the government.
Who were the real rulers of Sparta?
The ancient Greek city of Sparta was ruled by two kings, one from each of the two founding families, Agaidai and Eurypontidae .
Who made the most important government decisions in Sparta?
Like Athens, Sparta had an assembly. But the important decisions were really made by a much smaller group called the Council of Elders . The Council of Elders consisted of two kings and 28 other men.
How Was Athens a democracy?
Greek democracy created at Athens was direct, rather than representative: any adult male citizen over the age of 20 could take part, and it was a duty to do so. The officials of the democracy were in part elected by the Assembly and in large part chosen by lottery in a process called sortition.
What type of government do we have in the United States?
The Constitution establishes a federal democratic republic form of government. That is, we have an indivisible union of 50 sovereign States. It is a democracy because people govern themselves. It is representative because people choose elected officials by free and secret ballot.
What is a democratic government?
Democracy means rule by the people. The word comes from the ancient Greek words ‘demos’ (the people) and ‘kratos’ (to rule). A democratic country has a system of government in which the people have the power to participate in decision-making.
Why was the government of Sparta designed?
Sparta was unique in ancient Greece for its social system and constitution, which were supposedly introduced by the semi-mythical legislator Lycurgus. His laws configured the Spartan society to maximize military proficiency at all costs , focusing all social institutions on military training and physical development.
