Who controlled the people?
Sumer's early governments were mainly controlled by temple priests. The farmers and workers of the city-states believed that the success of their works depended upon the blessings of gods, and in doing so, allowed priests to become very powerful and wealthy. From the ziggurat (which housed the temple), priests could manage irrigation systems and in turn, demand a portion of every farmer's crop as taxes. However, in times of war, priests did not lead the city. Instead, the men of the city (note: men not men and women) chose the toughest fighter to command the city's soldiers. At first, the 'commanders' power ended as soon as the war was resolved; however, after 3000 B.C., wars between city-states became frequent giving these military commanders more and more control of standing armies. Some city-states made these military leaders full-time rulers. These rulers would then pass their power on to their sons, who then did the same. By doing so, these commanders could ensure their dynasty's rule for centuries at a time.
