Social Structure
Sparta was an oligarchy, which means the ruling power was divided into a small group. Sparta had an assembly, but important decisions were made by a small group called the Council of Elders. The Council of Elders was made up of two kings and 28 other men. The two kings inherited their position and had the same amount of power. The other 28 men had to selected by the Assembly. To be in the Council of Elders, men had to be over the age of 60 and from a noble family. They prepared laws for the Assembly, and they could stop any laws from the Assembly that the council members did not like. The Assembly was made up of male citizens. The Assembly had very little power, it did not debate on issues, and it only voted yes or no on laws.