The Roman Republic 8-2

Rome’s Government Classes of People Early Romans divided into 2 classes: Patricians- Wealthy land owners. Rome’s ruling class Plebeians- Artisans, Shopkeepers, and owners of small farms Patricians Plebeians

Rome’s Government Plebeians and Patricians had the right to vote and the responsibility to pay taxes and serve in the army. Marriages between the 2 classes was forbidden. Plebeians also could not hold office.

Workings of Roman Government Rome’s Government Workings of Roman Government Rome had a tripartite government or 3 part: Some ran the government Some made laws Another group acted as judges p.5

Workings of Roman Government Rome’s Government Workings of Roman Government There were checks and balances, but no separation of powers among the tripartite

Workings of Roman Government Rome’s Government Workings of Roman Government Consuls- were the top government officials 2 were chosen each year They must have been in the Patrician class.

Workings of Roman Government Rome’s Government Workings of Roman Government All consuls had the power to veto Veto- the power to reject another’s decision

Workings of Roman Government Rome’s Government Workings of Roman Government Praetors- interpreted the law and acted as judges.

Workings of Roman Government Rome’s Government Workings of Roman Government Others had important functions such as collecting taxes, handling public finance, supervise public festivals.

Workings of Roman Government Rome’s Government Workings of Roman Government Senate- Most important legislative body. A select group of 300 patricians who served for life.

Workings of Roman Government Rome’s Government Workings of Roman Government Assembly of Centuries- It elected consuls and praetors and passed laws. It was under the control of the Patricians

Plebeians Against Patricians Rome’s Government Plebeians Against Patricians Plebieans complained about not having enough power 8-2A

Plebeians Against Patricians Rome’s Government Plebeians Against Patricians Like the Patricians they paid taxes Like the Patricians they served in the army

Plebeians Against Patricians Rome’s Government Plebeians Against Patricians 494 BC the Plebeians went on strike They refused to serve in the army They left Rome to set up their own government

Plebeians Against Patricians Rome’s Government Plebeians Against Patricians 471 BC set up their own body of representatives called the Council of Plebs with the blessing of the Patricians The assembly elected tribunes who brought plebeian concerns to the governments attention p.5

Plebeians Against Patricians Rome’s Government Plebeians Against Patricians The tribunes also won the right to veto government matters 455 BC Plebeians allowed to marry patricians 300 BC Plebeians allowed to become Consuls