Final answer:
Ancient Sumer's government initially began with priestly governance and evolved to include secular rulers called lugals. The society had a clear social hierarchy with rulers and religious leaders at the top, followed by professionals, peasants, and slaves at the bottom.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organization of government in Ancient Sumer evolved from priestly rule to a more complex governance structure. Initially, cities had priest governors who oversaw work on common lands and served as intermediaries between the populace and the gods. Over time, civil duties were divided from religious ones, leading to the rise of secular leaders known as lugals, who consolidated civil and religious power, managed the economy, led military campaigns, and established dynasties.
As for the social hierarchy within the Sumerian society, it was distinctly stratified. At the top were the ruling class and religious leaders who were often indistinguishable, followed by professionals such as skilled craft workers and scribes. The bulk of the population consisted of peasants who worked the land, and at the bottom were the enslaved people who labored on large-scale infrastructure and monuments.
Interestingly, even though the peasant class was responsible for producing the food that sustained the society, they were ranked lower in the hierarchy. This stratification is a reflection of the societies of the time, highlighting the dominance of ruling and priestly classes in the social and economic output of the city-states.