1. Spartan Government
Lesson 36
CHW 3MR

2. Government in Sparta
Maintaining a strong military was their sole goal!
Spartan citizens were only adult males with both parents from citizen families
Never more than official citizens

3. Most people in the city were helots—people who had been conquered by the Spartans and forced to work as slaves
Spartans constantly feared a helot revolt so they valued order over liberty in government
Government was an oligarchy government controlled by a very few

4. a) Two hereditary kings
One in charge of military, one in charge of government
b) Ephors
5 overseers were elected each year by the citizens
Directed the affairs of state
Had the right to attend council meetings, summon the assembly and preside over its meetings.
Could arrest and prosecute the kings if necessary
Could decree punishment on anyone

5. c) Council of Elders (Gerousia)
Advised the kings
28 aristocrats over the age of 60
Prepared business for the assembly
Acted as law court for important cases
d) Assembly of Citizens
All male citizens over 30
Met each month
Debated legislation presented by the council
Voted by shouting… loudest side won!
Not really democratic as they didn’t get to make policy