What Is The Difference Between Sparta And Athenian Government
In Ancient Greece, the two largest poleis (city-states) Athens and Sparta are evidence of two opposite forms of government. Athens adopted a more democratic approach while Sparta was governed by two kings. Though near each other, Ancient Greece consisted of poleis each of whom was governed separately and differently than one another. In the following I will answer a few questions posed regarding Greece, Sparta and the various city-states.
Athens Early on only men who owned land could hold public office. Later Solon changed the rules dividing the citizens into 4 groups. The two richest could hold office and all citizens sat on the assembly. The assembly elected the officials. Later Cleisthenes changed the rules again and divided Athens’ citizens into 10 tribes. Of these tribes 50 men were chosen to form a council of 500 who served only a one year term and could not be elected to the seat again. The council proposed laws and the assembly reviewed and voted on them. …show more content…
The Co-kings were members of two different lines of monarchs with each in place as a check to the other. One king oversaw the army and the other oversaw the city-state. Each was chosen by the people and could be selected for either role. Gerousia was comprised of 28 rich elders of 60 years of age or younger and of noble birth and the two kings for a total of 30 men. Their duty was similar to a judicial branch of government. Ephors were quite different as they were comprised of only 5 men who had a lot of power. Their duties included acting as a supreme court, along with overseeing legislative and executive duties. Finally the Demos was comprised of all the people who were male of 30 years of age or less and primarily did electing and convey the people’s
Athens Early on only men who owned land could hold public office. Later Solon changed the rules dividing the citizens into 4 groups. The two richest could hold office and all citizens sat on the assembly. The assembly elected the officials. Later Cleisthenes changed the rules again and divided Athens’ citizens into 10 tribes. Of these tribes 50 men were chosen to form a council of 500 who served only a one year term and could not be elected to the seat again. The council proposed laws and the assembly reviewed and voted on them. …show more content…
The Co-kings were members of two different lines of monarchs with each in place as a check to the other. One king oversaw the army and the other oversaw the city-state. Each was chosen by the people and could be selected for either role. Gerousia was comprised of 28 rich elders of 60 years of age or younger and of noble birth and the two kings for a total of 30 men. Their duty was similar to a judicial branch of government. Ephors were quite different as they were comprised of only 5 men who had a lot of power. Their duties included acting as a supreme court, along with overseeing legislative and executive duties. Finally the Demos was comprised of all the people who were male of 30 years of age or less and primarily did electing and convey the people’s