Final answer:
Laws and governance developed in early cities like Ur to manage the complex societal structures that arose due to agricultural surpluses and population growth, allowing for specialization and the organization of labor and trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of laws and governance in early ancient cities such as Ur in Mesopotamia became necessary to maintain order among increasing populations. As villages expanded into towns and then into cities due to the surplus in agricultural production and subsequent population growth, the need for a structured system to regulate the complex activities and relationships between people became evident. The governing bodies in these cities coordinated a complex economy, dealt with trade, regulated food distribution, and organized labor for the construction of public buildings and monuments. The development of writing as a tool for record-keeping and the management of trades and inventories also played a crucial role in maintaining order and facilitating governance.
This system of specialization allowed people to perform specific tasks, and as a consequence, required a centralized authority to organize and administer the increasingly complex societal needs. Essentially, the rise of agricultural societies led to social stratification and the emergence of ruling classes who oversaw religious activities, maintained order through the establishment of laws, and steered the construction of monumental architecture, all of which were indicative of a well-organized governance system. Thus, it is clear that the development of a formal government structure was critical for these emerging urban centers to function effectively and ensure the stability of their growing populations.