Greek Government Vs Athenian Government

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One of the major reasons the Greeks organized into independent city-states was because of the terrain (Hunt, pg. 54). Because of the independence of the city-states the citizens were free to implement their own form of government without the rule of a king (Hunt, pg. 55). The Spartan oligarchy consisted of the two kings, the twenty-eight elders, and the five ephors. The ephors were elected annually. They created policies and enforced laws, however before laws were put into place they had to be approves by the Alike, which consisted of all free adult males (Hunt, pg. 64). Tyranny is when political power is taken by force. In the case of Corinth, Cypselus ceased power but was loved by the citizens because he was helpful to the people. In contrast, Cypselus's son was disliked by the people which would later cause his heir to be overthrown. This shows how tyrants are judged by the people and how they may be overthrown if the people are unhappy with their rule (Hunt, pg. 67). The Athenian democracy consisted of all free adult males citizens having a say in legislation (Hunt, pg. 68).

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