Rome as a Republic

The ruling class

Wealthy landowners

Higher social position

Ordinary citizen and most of the Roman people

Included artisans, shopkeepers, and owners of small farms

Consuls

Senate

Assembly of Centuries

There were two consuls who were administrators and military commanders.  

They served one year terms so they did not become too powerful in government.

They could VETO laws from other groups. The word veto is Latin for “I forbid”.

The Senate was a group of 300 men (originally). 

They proposed laws, debated policy with other empires (Foreign Policy) and controlled Rome’s finances for projects that included roads, public buildings, etc.

Elected consuls and praetors

They also would accept or reject laws from the Senate

They served as courts and judges for all matters in Rome.

They had to serve in the army and pay taxes

But had no power in government

Plebeians went on strike refusing to serve in the army

Some even left Rome

Patricians feared the republic was in danger of collapsing

Plebeians own body of representatives

Elected officials called tribunes who voiced concerns to the government

Tribunes could veto

In 287 B.C.E. given the right to pass laws

Created an office of dictator for when the Republic needed a strong leader

After the crisis the dictator was expected to give up his power