THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

PATRICIANS The upper class – wealthy landowners Very small group – 5% of the population Chose the king’s advisors Controlled the most valuable land, held the key military and religious offices PLEBEIANS The lower class – peasants, laborers, artisans, shopkeepers Very large group – 95% of the population Very few privileges and say Paid most of the taxes and served in the army.

A Republic form of government’s purpose is to serve the people A Republic form of government’s purpose is to serve the people. It was established in Rome when the Patricians overthrew the last monarch/king Tarquin the Proud because King Tarquin wanted more power. The Conflict of the Orders is when the Plebeians demanded more political rights because the Patricians were controlling almost everything since Tarquin’s removal.

Some Major Differences Between the Patricians and the Plebeians Patricians could only be consuls or senators, they made and interpreted the laws, small group, wealthy, etc. Plebeians paid the heavy taxes, were the soldiers, had no political powers, were the labor force, large group

The conflict between the Plebeians and the Patricians was resolved over time by the Plebeians would leave Rome and refuse to work or serve in the military and the Patricians would compromise with the Plebeians by giving them some power and say in the government each time this happened.

Rights gained by the Plebeians over the years: Tribunes of the Plebs to represent their interests to the Senate Council of Plebs that could make laws only about themselves All laws were written down – The Twelve Tables One consul had to be a plebeian – in this way it was possible for a plebeian to become a senator Eventually could make laws that everyone (patricians and plebeians) must obey/follow

The Roman Republic

CONSULS One patrician and one plebeian Head/leaders of the Republic Run the day to day affairs of Rome and command its army

SENATORS Three hundred patricians and ex-plebeian consuls They can make and veto laws about everyone Advised the consuls

Tribunes of the Plebs Ten plebeians who represent plebeian interests to the senate Advised the consuls They can make and veto laws about everyone

Citizens Assemblies Made up of all adult male Roman citizens Nominated people to be the consuls, to be members of the senate, and to be a Tribunes of the Plebs Approved or rejected all new laws