Question

the ancient greek city - state of sparta was run as an oligarchy, meaning
a the economy was controlled by the masses.
b a small group of citizens controlled things.
c all adult males enjoyed equal political rights.
d foreigners were not allowed to participate in trade.

Explanation:

An oligarchy is a form of government where a small group of people (usually the elite or privileged) hold power. Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: In an oligarchy, the economy is not controlled by the masses (that would be more like a democracy or populist system), so A is incorrect.
• Option B: This matches the definition of an oligarchy, as a small group of citizens (the ruling elite in Sparta) controlled the government and affairs.
• Option C: In Sparta, not all adult males had equal political rights (e.g., helots and perioikoi had limited or no rights), so C is incorrect.
• Option D: The restriction on foreigners in trade is not a defining characteristic of an oligarchy, so D is incorrect.

Answer:

B. a small group of citizens controlled things.