The political system of ancient Sparta was a very unique and different oligarchy as compared to other civilization's. Sparta had two kings ruling together but at the same time creating a system of checks and balances in a modified version of a democratic society. One king would stay at the city-state and rule as a all powerful ruler, while the second king would be the main leader of Sparta's army. However, there were many other political influences in Sparta other than the kings.
The Gerontes was a council of the two kings and twenty-seven other rich men who were sixty years of age or older. These men held their positions in office for the rest of their lives. This council had a heavy influence on political affairs and held the equivalent power as a presidential veto has today. The Gerontes worked hand-in-hand with the Ephors.
The Epors where a council with 5 members, greatly thought of as the most powerful branch that combed legislative, judicial, financial, and executive duties. The Ephors were elected annually and any Spartan could become an Ephor. They assumed office on the first day of each year. Ephors had the power to indict the king. Only one king at a time could be tried. The king would be indicted, tried before a court consisting of the Ephors and Gerousia, and if impeached would be de-crowned, or sometimes just fined. The Ephors also acted as the (today's equivalent) supreme court. Two Ephors always went with a king on campaign to control arrogance and to protect the interests of the whole State.
The Apella was the assembly of the people, this was held once a month. Every male citizen over age 30 could participate in the Appella at any time. The Apella was responsible for the electing process in Sparta and choose many of Sparta's kings. Also indicated their will were questions of the day, the questions was prepared by the Gerontes, these questions helped the Gerontes to hear and understand the thoughts and opinion of the common man.
- The Gerontes
- The Ephors
- The Apella
The Gerontes was a council of the two kings and twenty-seven other rich men who were sixty years of age or older. These men held their positions in office for the rest of their lives. This council had a heavy influence on political affairs and held the equivalent power as a presidential veto has today. The Gerontes worked hand-in-hand with the Ephors.
The Epors where a council with 5 members, greatly thought of as the most powerful branch that combed legislative, judicial, financial, and executive duties. The Ephors were elected annually and any Spartan could become an Ephor. They assumed office on the first day of each year. Ephors had the power to indict the king. Only one king at a time could be tried. The king would be indicted, tried before a court consisting of the Ephors and Gerousia, and if impeached would be de-crowned, or sometimes just fined. The Ephors also acted as the (today's equivalent) supreme court. Two Ephors always went with a king on campaign to control arrogance and to protect the interests of the whole State.
The Apella was the assembly of the people, this was held once a month. Every male citizen over age 30 could participate in the Appella at any time. The Apella was responsible for the electing process in Sparta and choose many of Sparta's kings. Also indicated their will were questions of the day, the questions was prepared by the Gerontes, these questions helped the Gerontes to hear and understand the thoughts and opinion of the common man.