- Kings:
- Two of them
- Functions: to keep an eye on each other and to train the Spartan army for war
- Ephors:
- Five magistrates; elected every year
- Functions: to control the conduct of the kings, negotiate foreign treaties, and do much everyday state business
- Council:
- Twenty-eight elders; chosen at age 60
- Function: to help govern their city-state
- Function: to help govern their city-state
- Assembly:
- All male Spartans
- Soldiers:
- Every free man who was physically able
- Classes of people:
- Spartans: the ruling class, who ruled by force
- Free men: the perioeci (artisans and farmers), having no political rights
- Helots (serfs or slaves): were not allowed out at night for fear of an uprising, and were killed at once if found outside
- Free men: the perioeci (artisans and farmers), having no political rights
(This page was updated in December 2012.)