What was the role of Sparta's government in its society and how did it function?

 Sparta was an ancient Greek city-state known for its strict social and political system, which was centered around the city's military power and its system of government. Sparta's government played a central role in shaping the city-state's society and shaping its policies and actions.

The government of Sparta was a monarchy, with a king serving as the head of state. The king was advised by a council of elders, known as the gerousia, which was composed of 28 members over the age of 60. The gerousia had the power to advise the king and to pass laws, and it played a significant role in shaping Sparta's policies and decisions.

Sparta also had a system of democratic governance, with a popular assembly known as the apella. The apella was made up of all male citizens over the age of 30 and had the power to elect the members of the gerousia and to pass laws. However, the apella was not a powerful political body and was largely subservient to the gerousia and the kings.

Overall, the government of Sparta played a central role in shaping the city-state's society and policies. It was characterized by a combination of monarchy and democracy, with the kings and the gerousia holding significant power and the apella having a limited role in decision-making.