Section 2: Government and Society The Roman Republic Section 2: Government and Society

Roman Government Rome developed a tripartite Magistrates Government with three parts: magistrates, senate, and assemblies and tribunes To fulfill its duties, each part of the government had its own powers, rights, and privileges. Magistrates Officials that were elected for a one-year term Many different types with different duties– some were judges, others managed finances or organized games and festivals The two most powerful magistrates in Rome were called consuls Consuls were elected each year Jobs: Run the city Lead the army

Senate Roman Senate was a council of wealthy and powerful Romans that advised the city’s leaders Duties: Met to advise consuls They served for life Eventually gained influence over magistrates and took control of financial affairs

Assemblies and tribunes Third branch of the government Protected the common people Had two branches First branch was made up of assemblies Both patricians and plebeians took part Primary job was to elect magistrates who ran the city of Rome Tribunes – second branch Made up of elected officials Elected by the plebeians Had the ability to veto – prohibit actions by other officials Only remained in office for one year

Civic duty Checks and balances People participated in the government because they felt it was their civic duty Duty to the city People were expected to attend assemblies and vote in elections Checks and balances Methods to balance power They keep any one part of a government from becoming stronger or more influential than the others.

Written Laws Keep Order The Law of the Twelve Tables Rome’s first written law code Carved into 12 bronze tablets Kept in the Forum Rome’s public meeting place

The Roman Forum Was the heart of the city Site of important government buildings and temples Lay between two major hills Palatine Hill Where Rome’s richest people lived Capitoline Hill Where Rome’s grandest temples stood Shops, fights, and public ceremonies also drew people to the Roman Forum