That the laws were unwritten would alone be a proof how little he introduced of what was alien and unknown.
V.

I proceed to give a brief, but I trust a sufficient outline, of the Spartan constitution, social and political, without entering into prolix and frivolous discussions as to what was effected or restored by Lycurgus--what by a later policy.
There was at Sparta a public assembly of the people (called alia), as common to other Doric states, which usually met every full moon--upon great occasions more often.

The decision of peace and war--the final ratification of all treaties with foreign powers--the appointment to the office of counsellor, and other important dignities--the imposition of new laws--a disputed succession to the throne,--were among those matters which required the assent of the people.

Thus there was the show and semblance of a democracy, but we shall find that the intention and origin of the constitution were far from democratic.

"If the people should opine perversely, the elders and the princes shall dissent." Such was an addition to the Rhetra of Lycurgus.