Download Athens vs. Sparta Forms of Government: Spartan Government

Athens vs. Sparta
Forms of Government:
Spartan Government
 Warrior state
 Ruled by small group of warriors (oligarchy) who were the upper class
 Boys joined military at age 7
 Two kings were leaders of the army
 Council of 28 members elected by citizens to serve one year
 Five officials called elders who served life terms
 Councilmen made decisions, passed laws and ensured enforcement
 Had an assembly of people expected to follow laws without debate
Athenian Government
 Only citizens could be part of government (There were about 40,000 Athenian
citizens. Total population about 140,000.)
 Citizen = male, both parents had to be Greek, own land
 All citizens had a right to attend the Assembly
 Council of 500 were the decision making body – chosen by lot within Assembly
 In Athens 6,000 jurors were chosen from a lottery each year. They would serve as
often as needed during their given year.
 Each juror received a stone ticket, with his name, needed to enter the court. At the
end of each trial, jurors received payment
 At least 200 jurors were chosen per trial. The ballot (black for guilty, white for
not guilty) was placed in a box when decision time began, to determine if
defendant was innocent or guilty. Conviction was by majority vote.