Roman Republic Government

3 time periods of Roman History

Key Terms – GOV’T Republic: Form of government where citizens have the right elect their leaders Also has a constitution or set of laws for the civilization

Key Terms – Social Classes Roman Republic had 2 main social classes: Patricians: 1) Wealthy land-owners 2) Had most power 3) Could influence the government Plebeians: 1) 95% of the population 2) Ordinary citizens, some poor 3) Could not influence government

Creating the Republic At first, Rome was ruled by Etruscan kings from 650-509 B.C. The patricians did not like the rule of the Etruscans, so they rebelled! In 509 B.C., the Roman Republic began after patricians overthrew the last Etruscan king.

Could not own property or vote Government Structure PATRICIANS PLEBEIANS WOMEN Could not own property or vote SLAVES No rights CITIZENS

PATRICIANS CITIZENS SENATE 1) 300 Patricians, held position for life 2) Controlled finances ($) 3) Involved with foreign and some military matters PATRICIANS CITIZENS

DICTATOR chosen in an EMERGENCY 2 CONSULS 1) Elected by Senate, position for 1 year 2) Declare war, Commander in chief 3) Judges when needed in major cases DICTATOR chosen in an EMERGENCY SENATE 1) 2) 3)

Plebeians held no influence in the government in the early Roman Republic. How do you think Plebeians felt with the Patricians having so much power? How would you solve this imbalance of power?

Plebeians get Reforms Early on, plebeians had to obey laws, but had no say or influence. The plebeians rebelled and made the patricians compromise Plebeians are allowed to elect: People’s Assembly and 10 Tribunes 451 B.C. – Laws were written down, called the Twelve Tables 367 B.C. – One of the consuls had to be a plebeian 287 B.C. – Plebeians gain right to pass laws for all Roman citizens

PEOPLES’ ASSEMBLY 1) Make laws for Plebeians – eventually for all citizens 2) Elect 10 Tribunes members 3) Tried legal cases (court) PLEBEIANS

1) Speak for Plebeians to the Senate 10 TRIBUNES 1) Speak for Plebeians to the Senate 2) Could veto* laws they felt were unfair to Plebeians 3) Elected by Peoples’ Assembly PEOPLES’ ASSEMBLY 1) 2) 3) *Veto = reject, “I forbid it”

Eventually Plebeians able to be part of Senate 1) 2) 3) Eventually Plebeians able to be part of Senate PEOPLES’ ASSEMBLY 1) 2) 3) PLEBEIANS

Now, It’s your turn!  You are a member of the Roman senate (Plebeian or Patrician)….. And you receive a letter from a fellow Roman citizen who needs your advice!....

Your task is to read the letter from Maximus Plebius Your task is to read the letter from Maximus Plebius. With your group answer the questions on the back of your notes sheet that would help give Maximus the information he needs. Show your knowledge of the Roman Republic government and how it can help him!

Roman Republic is one of the main influences for U.S. government