Which explains the creation of a new law, chronologically, in ancient Sumer?

Which explains the creation of a new law, chronologically, in ancient Sumer?

• A. A king passes a law, assembly of wise men either accept it or overrule it, citizens are expected to learn and obey the law
• B. Citizens vote on laws in referendums
• C. Law is drafted by the assembly and the king implements it
• D. The assembly drafts a law and the king approves it

Answer: (A)

In ancient Sumer, the ruler held the central role in creating laws. A king would propose a new rule or reform, and then an assembly of wise men or elders would review it, either accepting it or overruling/altering it. Once the decision was made, the law would be proclaimed so people could learn and follow it. This sequence—king initiates, assembly weighs and legitimizes, then publicization and obedience—fits the traditional understanding of how laws were established in that society. The idea of citizens voting in referendums isn’t typical of Sumerian governance, and the assembly drafting laws themselves or the king simply implementing an assembly draft doesn’t match the usual order of initiation followed by approval and public dissemination.

In ancient Sumer, the ruler held the central role in creating laws. A king would propose a new rule or reform, and then an assembly of wise men or elders would review it, either accepting it or overruling/altering it. Once the decision was made, the law would be proclaimed so people could learn and follow it. This sequence—king initiates, assembly weighs and legitimizes, then publicization and obedience—fits the traditional understanding of how laws were established in that society. The idea of citizens voting in referendums isn’t typical of Sumerian governance, and the assembly drafting laws themselves or the king simply implementing an assembly draft doesn’t match the usual order of initiation followed by approval and public dissemination.