rough a form of government we call Democracy. Though our form of democracy is representative rather than Athens direct democracy, the intent remains the same. We boast equality just as the Athenians did, although their image of it was distorted. American equality is given to all, regardless of social status or gender. However, the Athenians practiced what could be called limited equality since only upper class males actually held rights and absolute freedom. The oligarchy in Sparta somewhat resembled the totalitarian culture of the twentieth century Nazis. Totalitarianism is a form of government in which one ruler dictates the behavior of an entire nation with absolute power. Like the Nazis, a central power had authority over the government and the state as a whole. Hitler was the Nazis central power, while the Spartans were headed by five ephors. The unlimited power of the ephors allowed them to dictate the thoughts and actions of the entire city-state of Sparta, much like Adolph Hitler ruled over his Nazi nation. However, the command of the ephors was divided by three, rather than being held by an individual.Athens and Sparta can be compared to each other in many ways. However, in todays culture, we can never completely achieve the military power of Sparta, nor the sense of individual well being exemplified in Athens. We mimic their beliefs, while at the same time improve their customs. America too is a great nation; however, just like Athens and Sparta, we are often shaped by our mistakes and defined by our flaws....
