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Classical Athens And Libertarianism Essay

645 Words3 Pages

1. Introduction
Classical Athens and Sparta were notably two of Classical Greece’s most impressive poleis. Classical Athens is appreciated for its devotion to philosophy, mathematics, science, and democracy. Whereas, Classical Sparta is recognized for its devotion to war junta. However, their different objectives ensue that the first is recalled for its libertarian ideals and the latter as a fascist city-state. As such, this essay will consider the political systems implemented by Classical Athens and Sparta during the 5th and 4th centuries B.C.E., in order to determine whether Classical Athens is justly thought of as an advocate of libertarianism and whether Classical Sparta was strictly a fascist city-state.
2. Classical Athens and liberty
Classical Athens’ democratic system consisted out of two central institutions, namely the Council and the Assembly. The Athenian Council members were citizens chosen through a lottery and could only serve on the Council …show more content…

There was also an executive committee of five Ephors, chosen by lot from the citizen body, only permitted to serve for one year (Renshaw 2008:262-263). The ephors provided the checks and balance in the Spartan government by ensuring that no office bearer (including the kings) acted outside the scope of their functions (Renshaw 2008:263).
4. Conclusion
Although the formation of a military ‘camp-like polis’ and controlled obligatory education are elements of a fascist government, Classical Sparta had a unique mixed government that implemented democracy (through its citizens and ephors), monarchy (the two kings), and oligarchy (the gerousia). Furthermore, although, women, foreigners, and slaves were excluded from politics, Classical Athens’ democratic system still had an ideology of libertarianism that was, in principle, broadly favourable to today’s modern concept of

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