Governing has never been a simple job, even less-so during the times of ancient Athens and Sparta. Both equally were ahead of their time by giving their people an actual voice and weight when making decisions. Unfortunately, neither of these civilizations lasted the great length of time. However, the political footwork they laid out has become the cornerstone of what we now know our societies to be built upon today. How did people in Athens and Sparta obtain the right to participate in public life and make decisions affecting the community? Athens being the political example of the modern western world still today, it was not easy to become part of the decision makers. The only people eligible to be decision makers were men – men of Athenian birth descent had the easiest pass, however, others could also become part of this society usually if great wealth was involved. Athens being the classist society it was, ranked its citizens based on the value of their annual income; the wealthiest being the “500 bushel men” eligible for top political positions, followed by “horse men” (300 bushels) eligible for lesser political and military posts, “middle class” (200 bushels) were eligible …show more content…
Sparta’s government was controlled by a two king system, both of whom were born from royal tribes linked back to the founding families of Sparta; the Agiads and Eurypontids. Even in Sparta, the aristocracy had the largest say in decisions and could enter politics at will, but politics were still open to the broader public. The two branches were the executive branch, or Ephors, and the elite elder council, the Gerousia. Members of the Ephors were elected by popular assembly annually and could only serve a one-year term. The Gerousias were chosen and made up of male aristocrats over the age of 60; only 30 were allowed to hold the position at one time and were members for life. (Brand,