Differences And Similarities Between Athenian Government In Sparta And Athens

Ancient Greece is known for its rich history and culture, one of the most fascinating aspects of which are the varied forms of government in different city-states. Athens and Sparta are two city-states that are often compared for their differing ideologies and ways of governing. While both were major powers in ancient Greece, they had distinct differences in their government structures. Athens is known for being the birthplace of democracy, while Sparta was known for its unique dual kingship system. In this essay, we will delve deeper into the dissimilarities in the government structures of these two city-states.

Athens’ Governmental Structure

In Athens, citizenship was limited to male-born Athenians over 18 years old, granting them the right

Eligibility for holding public office was granted to any male citizen who had completed his mandatory military training. The selection of public office holders in Athens was entrusted to a democratic system in which the citizens would vote on whom they wanted to hold a particular office. Athenian democracy was unique in that it utilized a system of sortition or choosing public officials by lot, which was done to reduce the influence of wealth and status on public office selection. Most offices could only be held for one or two years, with the exception of military commanders and the Areopagos. Furthermore, eligible individuals who wished to run for public office were required to undergo a scrutiny process known as the dokimasia. This process was designed to ensure that an individual met the necessary requirements for holding a public office, such as his citizenship status, age, and military training, and it ensured the transparency of Athens’ democratic system (Rothchild,

This ruling class was known as the Spartiates, and they were the only ones who were granted full citizenship and possessed the right to vote and participate in public life. In addition to being born to Spartan citizen parents, individuals were required to undergo military training to remain a part of the elite class and potentially hold public office (Brand, 2010). Sparta had a unique dual kingship system, where two kings ruled together and held significant power. Additionally, Sparta had an oligarchic system, meaning that a small group of wealthy and powerful individuals held political power. The Spartiates did have some say in decision-making, but their power was limited compared to that of the kings and the oligarchs. The Gerousia, made up of the two kings and the Boulē, an elite council of 28 male elders, was responsible for making important decisions related to war and peace, and the Ephors, five magistrates who were elected annually from among the citizens, played a significant role in maintaining the social structure of Spartan society. Members of the Gerousia were chosen by the ruling Spartiates and the kings and had to be at least 60 years of age. Therefore, in Sparta, the right to participate in public life and make decisions affecting the community was limited to this small, elite ruling