Governing Rome Chapter 11.2

Tennessee Social Studies 6.59 On a historical map, identify ancient Rome and trace the extent of the Roman Empire to 500 AD 6.62 Describe the government of the Roman Republic and its contribution to the development of democratic principles, including but not limited to rule of law

Roman social class Patricians Plebeians Ruling class Wealthy landowners Farmers, artisans, and merchants Often lacked rights Could not hold public office Both had to pay taxes and serve in the army

Government of the Republic Roman Republic was organized into 3 branches: 1. Made laws 2. Ran daily affairs of government 3. Judges Checks and balances

Consuls headed the government, also served as army leaders Consul could serve 1 year Could veto each other Praetors interpreted the law and served as judges, also led army

Senate was the legislature Group of 300 men Served for life Advised the consuls Assembly of Centuries elected consuls and praetors

Conflict Between Classes Plebeians became frustrated because they no power in government. 494 BC plebs went on strike, refused to fight in army, and left Rome Patricians knew they could not survive without the plebs. Let the plebs have representation – The Council of the Plebs Plebs elected tribunes

More power for the Plebs Tribunes could veto Plebs were allowed to become consuls Plebs could even marry patricians 287 BC Council of Plebs could pass laws

Cincinnatus and Civic Duty Romans created the office of dictator The dictator would rule during crisis and then regular power would resume Cincinnatus had been a consul. 458 BC the Senate appointed him as dictator to handle the threat of an enemy army. For 2 weeks Cincinnatus led the army, defeated the enemy, and then went back to farming.

Civic Duty Civic duty (idea that citizens have a responsibility to help their country) George Washington was inspired by Cincinnatus.

Rome’s System of Law Rome’s laws were not written down in the beginning Plebeians wanted the laws written down for all to see. 451 BC - Twelve Tables Carved on bronze tablets and placed in the Forum Foundation for law, all free citizens had the right to be treated equally

Roman Justice Roman law influenced many other civilizations including the United States Assume a person is innocent until proven guilty Rule of law – everyone treated the same, guiding principle of our legal system

The Punic Wars Carthage, located along the north African coast, became powerful through trade. Originally been a Phoenician trading colony Became Rome’s bitter enemy 264 BC a series of war between the two began that would last over a century

First Punic War Carthage had colonies on the island of Sicily. Rome decided it wanted the island for itself. Carthage had a strong navy. Rome quickly built a navy of its own. - improved the ships by adding moveable bridge allowing them to board Carthage’s ships After more than 2 decades of fighting, Rome defeated Carthage and took control of Sicily

Second Punic War Carthage needed more land and resources after losing Sicily to Rome. Carthage decided to take over Spain. Rome encouraged Spain to fight back. In response, Carthage sent Hannibal to attack Rome in 218 BC. Hannibal had a large army of 46,000 men and 37 elephants. Carthage used the elephants to cross the Alps. Bitter cold and mountain tribes killed most of the men and elephants. 216 BC Hannibal was able to defeat the Romans at the Battle of Cannae.

Second and Third Punic War Rome continued to fight back. 206 BC the Roman general Scipio took Spain and attacked the city of Carthage. Hannibal was forced to return home to protect his people. 202 BC, Rome once again is victorious at the Battle of Zama. Carthage had to pay a huge fine and give up its navy. Carthage remained a threat, so finally in 146 BC Rome destroyed it.