What kind of government did Sparta have?

Sparta had what is known as a diarchical monarchy. The government's complete makeup consisted of dual kings; a council of about 30 gerontes or gerousia, which are rich elders; the ephors, a small council of five people and an assembly, called the Appella or Demos, of the common people who gathered once a month.

The ephors were voted in yearly and this group held a lot of power. The ephors had the power to put the kings on trial and possibly impeach him if found guilty. This small council of five served as a type of supreme court. There were two members of the ephors always with the kings on military campaigns to help keep an eye on the interests of the state.