Sparta And Athens Comparison Essay

Words: 552
Pages: 3
Open Document
Democracy was the order of government practiced within the city-states of both Athens and Sparta. However, while the underlying foundations of democracy for both Athens and Sparta were similar, its implementation was greatly influenced by the culture of Athens and Sparta respectively. The Athenian expression of democracy was as egalitarian as Spartan democracy was exclusive.

According to Brand (n.d.), democracy in Sparta existed only in name. Like Athens, Sparta had a legislative assembly whose membership consisted of all free, male citizens. However, Sparta also had two kings, who were descended from two Spartan tribes who could trace their line back to Sparta’s founders. Spartan kings, while politically weak at home, were possessed almost …show more content…
Athens main political body was the Athenian Popular Assembly. Membership within the Assembly was limited to free males who were 20 years of age or older (Brand, n.d.). The Boule was the main legislative body within Athenian democracy. It was composed of 500 councilors chosen annually, each tribe within the Attican peninsula contributing 50 members. The top positions of Athenian government were a body of ten Generals elected annually, usually selected from the ranks of the aristocrats and wealthy. Athenians could serve in lesser political offices provided they possessed the requisite level of wealth and be at least 30 years of age. Positions such as jury duty were chosen by lottery and those chosen were paid accordingly for their service. Eventually even attending the Assembly was paid by the state (Brand, n.d.). According to Brand (n.d.), even with an “executive branch” of government with the Generals and a strong legislative branch within the Boule, talented politicians held the ability to sway popular opinion and convince the Boule and Popular Assembly to support their agenda.

Between Athens and Sparta, Athenian democracy is more similar to the modern democracies of today. Sparta was a democracy in name only, more closely resembling a totalitarian regime that brooked no dissent. Despite their differences in execution, Athenian and Spartan democracy were similar in a compositional sense: an assembly of common citizens
Show More

Related Documents: Sparta And Athens Comparison Essay

Sparta and Athens Comparison Essay

Sparta and Athens had very similar societies that believed in the same gods , as well as both had very strong armies , however they had very different methods of political administration . Sparta’s main focus was to have a very strong army to be able to defend and conquer , resulting in an unstoppable army . Athens had a very strong army as well but on the other hand believed that education was essential to have and was their main focus. Athens and Sparta had different goals…

Words 399 - Pages 2

Which Was The Dominant Greek City-State, Athens And Sparta?

Janice Etta Natale-3 Essay Which was the dominant Greek city-state, Athens or Sparta? The two cities Athens and Sparta (500 bc- 350bc) were bitter rivals in ancient Greece. The fierce rivalry and influence that they have, often been the subject of comparison. Geographically close but totally different in their values, lifestyle, styles and culture. Athens was the more dominant city-state due to their styles in raising children, government, and overall excellene. Both were very…

Words 708 - Pages 3

Ap World History Midterm Review Guide

The Midterm Exam will consist of two parts. Part I will be 50 definitions that you will need to match with the proper term. All definitions will come from the list below. Part II will consist of 2 separate essays that you will need to write. You will have 4 choices for each essay, all taken from the list following the definitions. Terms and Definitions: 1. Bantu migration: The spread of Bantu-speaking peoples from their homeland in what is now southern Nigeria or Cameroon to most…

Words 3193 - Pages 13

Essay on Historiography and Historical Question

COURSE DESCRIPTION “In this course we will trace human civilizations from their origins to the era of global interaction (the 16 century) by exploring their cultural, social, ideological, economic, and political institutions. We will draw comparisons in order to illustrate the diversity and similarity among civilizations and in order to develop a global view of world systems.” There are no prerequisites for this course. th COURSE OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES I have three objectives for this…

Words 4371 - Pages 18