The Roman Republic Republic: A government run by elected officials S.P.Q.R.: A Latin phrase (Senatus Populusque Romanus) that stands for “Senate of the People of Rome” Engraved on public buildings, armor, coins, park benches, etc. Fashionable white robes. Jealous?

The Roman Forum The Roman Forum was the main marketplace and business center of Rome At the Forum, people… Talked Listened Shopped Gave gifts to the gods Went to religious ceremonies and festivals

What the Roman Forum probably looked like It was basically their “downtown,” or sort of like a mall. Picture Links: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/03/Tavares.Forum.Romanum.redux.jpg http://previews.123rf.com/images/melastmohican/melastmohican1312/melastmohican131200029/24212354 -Roman-Forum-s-a-rectangular-forum-plaza-surrounded-by-the-ruins-of-several-important-ancient-governm- Stock-Photo.jpg

The 12 Tables The 12 Tables were the written version of old laws so that everyone knew them or people could read them They were engraved on metal tablets and displayed in the forum “And the poor plebeians will probably have to hire somebody to read them the laws anyway! Mwahahahaha!!!” -Patrician Stinker

The Plebeians and Patricians The Patricians were the rich nobles of Rome. They were born into rich families, and got to control Rome simply because they were born into powerful, wealthy families. They made all the big decisions. They had plenty of time to control Rome because they didn’t really need to work. They had plenty of money already. Each plebeian family was led by the “Pater Familias,” which means “Father of the Family.” Plebeians often had slaves. They spoke the Latin language, and worshipped the Roman gods and goddesses. The Plebeians were the poor lower class of Rome. They were born into poor (or working) families, and because of that they had to fight for their rights. The plebeians spent much of their time working. At home, they were led by the “Pater Familias.” If they had some money, they might have one or more slaves. Like most other Romans, they spoke the Latin language, and worshipped the Roman gods and goddesses.

The Government The information you need is found easily on slides 8- 10. You’re welcome.

Consuls How many? Two Types of Members: Senators (Patricians) Time in office: 1-year term Consuls elected the senators Job of the consuls: Ran the government Directed (commanded) the army Acted as judges In an emergency, could choose a dictator Had to agree with each other. Had power to veto the other. In Latin, veto means “I forbid.”

Senate How many? 300 members Types of members: Patricians Time in office: Life term Job of the senate: Advise the consuls and the assembly Directed spending, including tax money Approved or disapproved laws made by the assembly Made decisions concerning relationships with foreign powers

Assembly How many: All plebeian citizens Types of members: All plebeians No term in office The assembly elected the 2 consuls Job of assembly: Elected government officials— including judges—into office Voted on laws suggested by government officials Declared war or peace