The Government of the Republic

1. The Government of the Republic Chapter 10 Section 2

2. Principles of the Roman Government • Roman government combined aristocratic, democratic and monarchial type governments. • The Roman government was structured on a constitution, it was oral (not written). • They created a government with 3 main parts so that one part/person got too much power. • Romans didn’t elect 1 top leader. They elected 2 leaders called consuls (they held equal power) and they only served for 1 year.

3. Had 3 branches of government; assemblies, the senate, and the magistrates. • Each branch had their own power and had the power to over rule the other branches. • The rule of law was that the law applied to everyone.

4. Roman Citizens • Only free men were citizens of the Roman Republic. • The symbol of a citizen was the toga which only a citizen could wear. • Had the right to a trial, the right to vote, the responsibility to serve in the army if they could afford their own armor.

5. 2 orders of citizens- • Patricians were the oldest, wealthiest families in Rome. Usually controlled all government offices in the early days of Rome. • Plebeians were the majority of Romans. Most were common farmers or artisans, however some were wealthy. • The Plebeians forced the Patricians to open political offices to them by having a strike. They refused to fight in a war until they got their way.

6. The Assemblies • The Assemblies was the democratic part of the government. • All adult men could participate, through voting, but the votes of the wealthy counted more than those of the poor. • They passed laws and elected officials.

7. The Senate • The part of Roman government that was like an oligarchy. • Made up of the wealthiest and best-known older Romans. • Chosen by an official called a censor, they didn’t represent the people. They were supposed to guide the state. • Were thought to be wiser than other citizens. • Advised the assemblies and the magistrates. • Advise was almost always followed. • Ran foreign policy and decided how to spend Rome’s money. • The most powerful part of Rome’s government.

8. Magistrates • The power of the magistrates made them almost like monarchs. • Wealthy men, from elite families, where politics was a key part of life. • Politicians moved from lower to higher offices. This path was called the Path of Honors. • Quaestors-Kept track of public money, assisted other officials. • Tribunes of the Plebs- Represented the plebeians, vetoed laws & actions of other officials. • Aediles- Maintained city buildings & services like water supply & held celebrations. • Preators-Judged cases, led armies, governed the city of Rome. • Consuls-Led the state and military

9. Magistrates and the Senate

10. The Roman Example The American constitution was based heavily on the Roman government. For example: Differences: America has a written constitution. America practices representative democracy, not direct. Women can participate in government and there are no slaves. • Similarities: • American citizens can vote and hold office • American government has 3 branches with separate powers. • Rule of law applies to all Americans. • Like Tribunes the President can veto laws. • The US has a Senate.