Sparta: Government
Sparta was different from Athens in almost every way, beginning with its government. While Athens was a democracy, Sparta was an oligarchy in which the ruling power was in the hands of a few people. Sparta's government—as well as Spartan society—was dedicated to military strength. Founded in the 800s B.C.E., Sparta was the leading military power in the Mediterranean area until about 370 B.C.E. Like Athens, Sparta had an Assembly. However, the important decisions were actually made by a much smaller group called the Council of Elders.
The Council of Elders consisted of two kings and 28 other men. The two kings inherited their position and shared equal powers, but the other 28 members of the council were elected by members of the Assembly. To be elected to the Council of Elders, men had to be at least 60 years old and from a noble family. Some scholars believe that members of the Assembly voted for candidates by shouting. Those men who received the loudest support were elected. Once elected, they served for life. The Council of Elders held the real power in Sparta. It prepared laws for the Assembly to vote on and had the power to stop any laws passed by the Assembly that council members opposed.
The Assembly in Sparta was comprised of only male citizens. Because the Assembly was large, it met in a spacious outdoor area away from the center of the city. Unlike the Assembly in Athens, it did not debate issues. Members of the Assembly had limited powers and could only vote yes or no on laws suggested by the Council of Elders.
The Council of Elders consisted of two kings and 28 other men. The two kings inherited their position and shared equal powers, but the other 28 members of the council were elected by members of the Assembly. To be elected to the Council of Elders, men had to be at least 60 years old and from a noble family. Some scholars believe that members of the Assembly voted for candidates by shouting. Those men who received the loudest support were elected. Once elected, they served for life. The Council of Elders held the real power in Sparta. It prepared laws for the Assembly to vote on and had the power to stop any laws passed by the Assembly that council members opposed.
The Assembly in Sparta was comprised of only male citizens. Because the Assembly was large, it met in a spacious outdoor area away from the center of the city. Unlike the Assembly in Athens, it did not debate issues. Members of the Assembly had limited powers and could only vote yes or no on laws suggested by the Council of Elders.
oligarchy (noun)
A type of government where a small group of people have all the power.
Example Sentence: The ancient Greeks had many different types of governments, including an oligarchy where a few powerful people made all the decisions.
dedicated (adjective)
To be very committed to something and give it a lot of time and effort.
Example Sentence: The students were dedicated to their studies and spent many hours working hard.
inherited (verb)
To receive something from a family member when they die.
Example Sentence: The young prince inherited the throne from his father when he passed away.
comprised (verb)
To be made up of or include.
Example Sentence: The team was comprised of players from different countries.
spacious (adjective)
Having a lot of space.
Example Sentence: The school had a spacious playground where the kids could run and play.
A type of government where a small group of people have all the power.
Example Sentence: The ancient Greeks had many different types of governments, including an oligarchy where a few powerful people made all the decisions.
dedicated (adjective)
To be very committed to something and give it a lot of time and effort.
Example Sentence: The students were dedicated to their studies and spent many hours working hard.
inherited (verb)
To receive something from a family member when they die.
Example Sentence: The young prince inherited the throne from his father when he passed away.
comprised (verb)
To be made up of or include.
Example Sentence: The team was comprised of players from different countries.
spacious (adjective)
Having a lot of space.
Example Sentence: The school had a spacious playground where the kids could run and play.