Which were important characteristics of Spartas government
Some important characteristics of Sparta's government were:
1. Dual Kingship: Sparta had two kings who served as the highest authority in the government. They were believed to be descended from the Spartan hero, Heracles, and had considerable power, but they were still subject to other political institutions.
2. Gerousia (Council of Elders): The Gerousia was a council of 28 elders who were appointed for life and acted as an advisory body to the kings. They were responsible for proposing and debating laws, and their main role was to safeguard the constitution and ensure its stability.
3. Ephors: The ephors were five elected officials who held enormous power in Sparta. They were responsible for overseeing the actions of the kings, the Council of Elders, and the citizens. They had the authority to initiate legal proceedings and could even remove kings from power if necessary.
4. Assembly: The assembly, known as the "Apella," was made up of male Spartan citizens over the age of 30. They met once a month to discuss and vote on matters brought before them by the Gerousia and the ephors. Although they had limited power, they had the ability to ratify or reject laws proposed by the other bodies of government.
5. Militaristic Society: Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Spartan government was its militaristic nature. Spartan society was organized around the military, with every aspect of life focused on strengthening the army. The government's primary goal was to maintain a disciplined and formidable military force to defend Spartan territory and suppress any revolts or uprisings.
6. Oligarchy: Spartan government can also be described as an oligarchy, as power was concentrated in the hands of a few particularly influential individuals and groups rather than being spread among the entire citizenry. This was evident in the power held by the two kings, the Gerousia, and the ephors.
Overall, the Spartan government prioritized military prowess, stability, and a balance of power between different institutions to ensure the continuous dominance of the state.