Athenian Government Structure

Introduction

Athens and Sparta were two great Ancient Greek city-states that were quite distinct in a number of area but also had a great number of similarities. Those dissimilarities are what kept the two great city-states apart while those similarities are what bound them and united them as Greek city-states. For example, both city-states had differences and similarities in their structure of government, military, education, judgment, view of women, etc. In this paper, I will try to analysis the government structure, and daily life in both Athens and Sparta, then finalize by deciding which of the city-states I will choose to live in if I had the choice. An overall conclusion will then end the paper.

Athens’government structure.

According

They sold goods in the market, had jobs, care for the land and most importantly were the only ones involve in political issues and in the military. Women were subjective to their husbands but were very busy taking care of their homes and teaching their children especially teaching their female children some basic skills such as cooking, sewing, and how to properly take good care of the home. Education was considered very important. Girl had to learn how to cook, sew and take proper care of the home from their mothers while boys went to school, memorized poetry, learned to play musical instruments, studied public speaking, drama, reading and writing. Male children of the upper class could even go to high school to further their education for better political and government

According to Rangevoting.org (n.d), Sparta government’s structure had four branches. The first branch was the Kings. There were two kings from different families in Sparta and their power was check by the different government institutions. They could only have complete power when they led the military to war. The next institution of the government was Gerousia. This was the council of elders including the two kings. It was made up of 30 members and members must be 60 years or above except the kings who could be less than 60 years. They were elected by the assemble and their responsibilities include advising the body, and court of criminal justice, influencing political affairs, cooperated with the ephors and could veto decision made by the assemble. This was position was permanent with an election of new member only when there is a vacancy. The third branch of Sparta government was the Ephors. The ephors were made up of five members and was very influential. It could be said that this was the most powerful branch of the government. They carried out the legislative, judicial, financial, and executive duties. They were elected annually by the assembly and any qualified adult male Sparta could stand in for election. Finally there was the Demos or the assembly of the