Similarities Between Athens And Sparta
Introduction
Athens and Sparta were two of the most significant city-states in ancient Greece, each with unique systems of government. Athenians and Spartans were both known for their dedication to their city-state and their participation in public life. However, the methods of participation and the nature of the governance were distinct. This paper will discuss how people in Athens and Sparta obtained the right to participate in public life and make decisions affecting the community, who held public office, the rules governing the selection of public office holders, and the similarities and differences between the two city-states' governmental structures.
Participation in Public Life
In Athens, all free-born male citizens over the age of 18 were allowed to participate in public life. This included voting in the Assembly, which was a democratic body that made decisions on issues such as war and peace, alliances, and the use of public funds. The Assembly met
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This meant that only a small percentage of the population had the right to vote, hold public office, and make decisions affecting the community.
Public Office
In Athens, public offices were held by citizens selected through a system of sortition or random selection. This meant that anyone who met the requirements could be chosen for a position, regardless of wealth or status. Public offices included the Archons, who were responsible for the administration of justice, and the Strategoi, who were in charge of the military.
In Sparta, public offices were held by a small group of citizens known as the Ephors, who were elected annually by the Spartan Assembly. The Ephors were responsible for enforcing the laws and ensuring that the kings and other officials acted in the best interests of the state.
Rules Governing the Selection of Public Office
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