Question

sparta was ruled by _____________.
a military commander with a council of merchants
a tyrant with a council of merchants
a democracy with an assembly of land - owning males
an oligarchy with a council of elders that consisted of land - owning males

Explanation:

Sparta's government was an oligarchy. It was ruled by a council of elders (Gerousia) which was made up of land - owning males (over 60 years old, from noble families). The other options are incorrect: the first two mention merchants which were not the ruling group in Sparta, and Sparta was not a democracy (unlike Athens, Sparta had a different political structure with power concentrated in a small group of elders and the military - oriented society).

Answer:

D. an oligarchy with a council of elders that consisted of land - owning males