1. Roma Vocab
Define the following terms on your own sheet of paper. Think about how they might tie into the Roman form of government.
Republic
Patrician
Plebeian
Consul
Praetor

2. Ancient Rome
"Senatus Populusque Romanus" or "The Senate and the People of Rome"

3. Origins of Rome
Earliest settlers arrived between 1000 B.C. to 500 B.C.
1.) The Latin settlers from the north
2.) The Greeks settled in the south – influenced Roman agriculture, art & architecture, religion, and government
3.)The Etruscans were native to northern Italy
Gave Romans the arch and the
alphabet

4. The Early Republic
The Romans established a new government -- they called it a republic.
So what exactly is a republic?

5. A republic is
A form of government in which power rests with citizens who have the right to vote to select their leaders
In Rome, citizenship was granted to all free-born male citizens

6. It’s good to be a Senator, ain’t it fellas?
In the new republic of Rome, two groups of Romans constantly fought for power --
Patricians – the wealthy, powerful class. They…
Had the authority to vote
and make laws
Were members of the Senate
It’s good to be a Senator, ain’t it fellas?

7. 2. Plebeians – common people
It’s not fair!
2. Plebeians – common people
Made up the majority
Were citizens with the right to vote
Not as much power as patricians, though!

8. The laws in Rome were originally unwritten and left to interpretation.
Discuss: How would this affect the plebeians?

9. The Twelve Tables Became the basis for Roman law.
They established the idea that all free citizens, patricians and plebeians, had the right to the protection of the law.

10. Government Under the Republic
Instead of a king, Rome had two elected officials called consuls.
They commanded the army
Only served for one year
One consul could always overrule, veto, the other
Executive branch

11. Think about it: Which modern United States office is most like the early Roman Republic’s consul position?

12. The patricians ran the Senate. They made the laws for Rome.
Aka legislative branch

13. Rome’s Judicial Branch
Rome also had a Judicial branch that consisted of:
Eight judges known as praetors who oversaw civil and criminal courts and governed provinces

14. In times of crisis, the republic could appoint a dictator (an absolute ruler) who…
Had absolute power
Commanded the army
Power lasted only 6 months
My name is Julius Caesar. They appointed me dictator of Rome, but I never gave up power after 6 months. I basically ended the republic by creating a single-man rule. I was assassinated in 44 BCE.