THE ROMAN REPUBLICCan I explain how conflict between classes changed Rome’s government?

THE ROMAN CONFEDERATION

• The Romans were great at ruling other people.• Once Rome conquered other people….– Rome built a permanent military base there– Rome built roads from Rome to the conquered place– Conquered people were treated fairly– Some conquered people became citizens– Paid Roman taxes and be protected by Roman soldiers– Conquered people were allowed to manage their own

local affairs

• This was called the Roman Confederation

ROME’S TWO SOCIAL CLASSES• Roman society was divided into two groups• Patricians (puh TRIH shuhnz)– ruling class,

wealthy landowners, from Rome’s oldest families

• Plebeians (plih BEE uhnz)– not as wealthy, artisans, shopkeepers, small farmers, poor people

• Both patrician and plebeian men were considered citizens who could vote, pay taxes, and serve in the army

• Plebeians didn’t have certain rights – couldn’t marry patrician women, couldn’t hold political office, or lead religious ceremonies.

ROME’S GOVERNMENT• Three branches – one made laws, one

acted like judges, and one ran the daily affairs of the city

• It had checks and balances, but no separation of powers

• Two consuls (CAHN suhlz)– administrative leaders, head of the army, served only for one year, each consul could veto the other

• Praetors (PREE tuhrz) – judges, interpreted law, could lead the army

• Senate – made laws, 300 patricians, served for life

• Assemblies – elected consuls and praetors, made laws

CLASS CONFLICT

• Plebeians were upset they had no power in government, so in 494BC they went on strike.

• Plebeians were allowed to create their own Council of the Plebs.

• The Council elected tribunes, who would voice their concerns to the Roman government, veto laws, and in 287 BC, they could start passing laws for Rome.

CINCINNATUS

• During times of crisis, the consuls could resign, and a dictator would take over.– Dictator – strong leader who had complete control over

Rome; they would give power back to the government once the crisis was over

• Cincinnatus – a famous dictator, took over Rome for 16 days, created an army, destroyed the enemy, returned to his farm once he won, inspired people like George Washington.

• Civic duty – citizens have a responsibility to help their country/government

ROMAN LAW

• Roman law has influenced many other legal systems, like the United States' legal system.

• Roman law had to be written down for everyone to read.

• Twelve Tables – Rome’s main laws, carved into bronze tablets and displayed in the marketplace

• Every citizen was treated equally by the law.

• Law of Nations – rules for conquered people, applied to everyone else in the Roman empire

• Rule of law – law applies to everyone equally, legal system treats everyone the same way