Who were the real rulers of sparta?

Most of the power was in the hands of the Five Ephors. They were the executive, the managed the treasury.. they were the judiciary.

The transcontinental railroad provided a means of fast transportation. it cut a 6 month trip into 6 days, created jobs for many people and encouraged immigration. the homestead act played a huge role in western expansion; it allowed settlers to begin a fresh start, and gave them land in exchange for their residence for up to five years and a small fee.