Agenda: The Roman RepublicUnit 1 Essential Questions:1. Which form of government is the most effective and the most just?2. How did Greco-Roman political philosophy, monotheistic moral teachings, and political reforms in medieval England influence the development of democratic values?

Learning Target: I can compare and contrast the Roman Republic’s system of government with the US system of government.

1. During the Lecture: • Participate in all discussions and activities. • Write at least 2 questions, answers or comments on line.

2. Activity: 12 Tables Research/Discussion (Finish tomorrow).

3. HW: How would your life be better and/or worse if the US replaced the Constitution with the 12 Tables and the other government structures of the Roman Republic?

Pair/Share: Discuss the statement below. Come up with an explanation and examples from the past or present.

The Roman Republic• Romans rebelled against a cruel king in 509

B.C.E.• They created a Republic. • Republic = A form of divided government where

citizens vote for representatives to make decisions based on a system of defined rules (i.e. a Constitution).

• Only free men (not slaves) could be citizens.

ROMAN REPUBLIC 509 BCE – 46 BCE (approx. 500 years)

509 B.C.E. Rome was a small city state. 284 B.C.E. defeated the Etruscans (former rulers of Italy). 267 B.C.E. defeated the Greeks. By 44 B.C.E. Rome dominated most of the “known world.”

Plebians vs. Patricians

The Republic was torn by conflict between Plebeians (common people) and Patricians (nobility).

Plebeians

Patricians

Plebeians1.Majority of the population. 2.Artisans, shopkeepers, small farm owners. 3. All property owning males were citizens--they could vote, had to pay taxes, serve in army.4.Could not marry a Patrician. 5.Could not serve in government.

Patricians1.Wealthy land owners.2.Nobles that made up the ruling class. 3.All property owning males were citizens—they could vote, had to pay taxes and serve in the army. 4.Could not marry a Plebian. 5.Could serve in government.

The Romans had a divided government.

PAIR/SHARE: Analysis

• What are the pros and cons of having a divided government?

• How does the US government divide its powers between branches?

• Isn’t that an ineffective way to run a government?

1. Top government officials.2. Two chosen every year by the

assembly. 3. Headed the army and ran the

government.4. Served short term….avoided risk of

abusing power.5. Veto The right of one consul to reject the

other’s decision. Latin for “I forbid.”

Consuls

1. 300 men.

2. Chosen for life.

3. Advise Consuls.

4. Deal with other countries.

5. Propose laws.

6. Approve public works.

7. Deal with daily government problems.

SenateLatin for “old men”

Assembly1. Citizen soldiers – a voting assembly.

2. Chose consuls.

3. Gave common peoplea forum in whichthey could express their wishes.

TWELVE TABLES Plebeians went strike for more say in the government.

They left the farms and the army to go sit on the Palatine Hill (Forum).

The Patricians compromised- Passed a written code of law called the TWELVE TABLES.

Principles of Roman Law

All citi zens have the right to equal treatment under the law.

Everyone charged with a crime is considered innocent unti l proven guilty.

The burden of proof is on the accuser, not the accused.

Discuss with partner, then write on the board

Pick one, then come on up! Either:

– Write a major difference between the Roman Republic and the American system of government (left board).

OR– Write a major similarity between the Roman Republic and the

American system of government (right board).

Activity: The 12 Tables (Finish next class)

• Go to: http://www.constitution.org/sps/sps01_1.htm

– Read your assigned Table, the discuss the following with your group:

– Which 1-2 laws make the most sense? Why?– Which 1-2 laws make the least sense? Why?– Which law reminds you the most of an American law? If

you can’t find one, which law do you wish we had in the USA? Why?

One person writes down your answers with the names of everyone in your group.Be ready to discuss with the class.It’s OK to do some on-line research.