1. The Roman Republic

2. Roman Republic (509 BCE)
Resulted from discontent of tyrannical Etruscan monarchy
In a republic, citizens elect leaders to run the gov’t
SPQR = Senatus Populusque Romanus
The Senate and the People of Rome
A combination of aristocracy, oligarchy and democracy

3. New Organization Consuls = leaders chosen to replace Kings
Assembly = ordinary citizens who elected the Consuls
Senate = rich men who advised the Consuls
Although citizens elected their own representatives, the Republic was NOT a democracy… every citizen did not have equal power
Divided into 2 classes: patricians and plebeians

4. Roman Society
Patricians
Plebeians

5. Patricians vs Plebians
The internal history of the Roman Republic consisted of constant tension and feuds between these two classes
Patricians
Senatorial aristocracy
Landowners
From Latin word “patres” (father)
Plebeians
Landless poor
From Latin word “plebs” (common people)

6. Patricians Wealthiest 10% of Rome’s population
Only ones who could run for political office (magistrates)
Served as priests, lawyers, judges
Granted financial and legal protection to clients
Plebeians, newcomers to Rome, ex-slaves, run-aways (from family)
Held the Roman imperium (power of law and military command)

7. Plebeians The other 90% who did the “heavy lifting” in society
Till land, herd livestock, craftsmen, tradesmen, labourers
No right of appeal against decision of patrician gov’t since no laws were codified or published
Relied upon patricians exclusively for expertise/leadership
Defended Rome as soldiers

8. Plebeian “trump card”
Could engage in “secession” to get what they wanted
Strike and refuse to defend Rome
Plebeians went on strike 5 different times

9. Government in the Roman Republic
The Roman Senate
Council of most powerful men in Rome
Controlled the state budget and foreign affairs
Owned most of the land
Chosen for life

10. Magistrates
Consul
Most powerful magistrates were the two Consuls (or Chief Magistrates of State)
Both had the power to veto (Latin for “I forbid”) each other in important decisions
Elected by patricians for a 1-year term
Extensive legislative, judicial power
Usually commanded the army
Scipio Africanus the Elder
Lucius Junius Brutus
Cicero

11. Plebeian Tribal Council & Tribunes
Membership restricted to non-senatorial males
Two plebeian tribunes elected and could veto decisions made by the consuls
Eventually increased to 10 tribunes
Tribunes became powerful interpreters of the peoples’ wishes

12. Roman Republic Government (p.170)
Sketch textbook diagram

13. Daily Life in the Republic (p.180-185)
Beliefs
Family Life & Morality
Education
Role of Women
Latin Language & Literature