Proper MLA Citation and Spartan Government

What is an example of proper MLA citation of a paraphrase from the passage?

1.) Sparta's kings had little power in Spartan government (Phin 429).

2.) Sparta's kings were weak compared to the council, 429.

3.) The council of elders was more powerful than Sparta's kings. (429 Phin)

4.) The council of elders and two kings ruled Sparta together... 429 Phin

Answer:

a. Sparta's kings had little power in Spartan government (Phin 429).

An example of proper MLA citation of a paraphrase from this passage is:

Option A

• Sparta's kings had little power in Spartan government (Phin 429).

The Gerousia, in old Sparta, was a council of elders and one of the two main governing bodies in Spartan government, the other being the apella. The Gerousia handled the legislation to be presented to the apella and had extensive judicial powers, serving as the primary Spartan court with the authority to issue sentences of death or exile.

Within the city-province of Sparta, a theocratic system held power where the decisions made by the public authority were often uncontested. The gathering of elders enacted laws, and they could dissolve the Assembly if it opposed them. These elders were typically wealthy men from prominent families, showcasing the theocratic nature of Spartan government where the affluent could exert significant influence over the population.

A gerontocracy is a form of oligarchical rule where a society is governed by leaders who are predominantly older than the adult population. In essence, a gerontocracy is a society where governance is reserved for the elderly.

The main difference between Athens and Sparta lies in their respective forms of government, economy, and society. Athenian culture revolved around trade, valued art and culture, and operated under a democratic system. Meanwhile, Spartan society was militaristic, reliant on agriculture, and focused on conquest.