  Roman citizens were divided into two class: Patrician and Plebeian The Republic

  Nobles who owned large estates and were descended from the founders of the city. They were the ones who could hold public office or perform certain religious rituals. Patricians

  Ordinary peasants, farmers and craftsmen. They paid taxes and served in the army. They could not marry patricians or hold office. If they fell into debt, they could be sold into slavery. Plebeians

  Both the Patricians and the Plebeians met in the assembly.  Here they elected or appointed 3 different groups of officials. The Citizens of Rome

  The consuls governed the city  They were elected for one year only and could not be elected again until 10 years had passed.  They were both administrators and military leaders  They had the power to veto any law.  2 members, to prevent any one from becoming king or dictator  They decided when to go to war, what taxes to collect, and what the laws were.  They both had to agree before a decision could be made. One of their most important responsibilities was to control the army. Consuls

  Made up of 300 men, who were chosen for life.  They advised the consuls, and handled the daily problems of government.  They discussed ways to deal with other countries.  Proposed laws and approved public contracts for building roads and temples.  The Senate became very important and ended up controlling Rome.  At first they consisted of only patricians, but eventually plebeians joined as well. Senate

  Also called prefects  The prefect was an official who was appointed by a magistrate, for a fixed period and a special task  Protected the rights of the plebeians. Judges Pontius Pilate was the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea, a sub-province of Syria, who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus.

  Elected officials, appointed to be judges  Looked after city finances. (The money of Rome) Magistrates

  All Roman citizens belong to the assembly  Included all members of the military  Voted on Senate decisions to go to war  Approved or rejected laws.  Rich people got more votes than poor people. The Assembly

  Spoke for the poor  Were appointed to protect the ordinary people against unfair treatment.  They could not veto military decisions. Tribunes

  Until about 450 B.C. Roman laws were not written down.  In that year laws were carved on twelve bronze tablets known as the Twelve Tables.  These laws applied to both patricians and plebeians.  Most were about wills, property rights, and court actions.  They became the foundation for all future Roman laws. The Twelve Tables

  What comparisons we can make to our government today?  Why do you think it was important to have Roman laws written down? Exit Time!