How is notional state and local government similar to ancient greek government?

Your accidental adjective "notional" is particularly apt in reference to ancient Greek government. They tried everything! The various city-states of Greece enjoyed every form of government known, and managed to make a mess of just about every one. In particular, the democracy of Athens that we admire so much today was one of the worst tyrannies in history, routinely exiling or executing its outstanding citizens and patriots, while the militaristic oligarchy/kingdom of Sparta that we despise today was remarkably stable and just, especially in contrast to Athens.