Which statements accurately compare the government systems of Sparta and Carthage?

Let's evaluate each statement to determine which accurately compares the government systems of Sparta and Carthage:

1. **The Spartan and Carthaginian governments both had an assembly. The Spartan government elected citizens in the assembly while the Carthage government did not.**
- **Incorrect.** While both governments had assemblies, the Spartan assembly (the Apella) involved Spartan citizens making decisions, and the Carthaginian assembly provided a platform for citizens to participate as well.

2. **The Spartan and Carthaginian governments were both oligarchies. Carthage focused more on military matters and Sparta focused more on democracy.**
- **Partially Incorrect.** Both Sparta and Carthage had oligarchic elements, but Sparta is not characterized as a democracy; it had a mixed government with elements of monarchy and oligarchy. Carthage had a strong military focus, but this statement mischaracterizes the nature of Sparta's governance.

3. **The Spartan and Carthaginian governments both had two leaders. The Spartan government had hereditary kings while the Carthaginian government had elected leaders.**
- **Partially Correct.** Sparta had two hereditary kings, but Carthage did not have leaders equivalent to kings; it had elected suffetes who functioned in a role similar to consuls.

4. **The Spartan and Carthaginian governments both used a council. The Spartan senate used 500 elected officials while the council of Carthage had 28 elected officials.**
- **Incorrect.** Sparta had a council known as the Gerousia, which consisted of 28 elders plus the two kings, not 500. Carthage's council (the Council of 104) included elected officials but not necessarily just 28.

None of the statements are fully accurate, but if we must choose the most correct comparison, the third statement is the closest because it correctly identifies the nature of leadership in both states, even if it simplifies aspects of Carthaginian governance. However, it is important to note that none of the answers are without errors.