The Republic

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.

JudgesPontius 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!