Evolution of Republican Government CHW 3 M Like

Evolution of Republican Government CHW 3 M

Like their military, Roman government was based not on theory (like the Greeks) but on what would be effective. Rulers of Rome After Superbus was banished: • Two consuls (chief judge/magistrate) ruled • Checks and Balances – both consuls had veto power • No one man held all the power • Alternated rule monthly, except during battle (daily) • Consuls also governed the Senate • If conflict between consuls, Senate could name a man dictator for six months • TOTAL POWER

Two Assemblies The rulers of Rome were chosen by two different assemblies: • Centuriate Assembly • Dominated by the Patricians (wealthy people, ancestors of the patriarchs) • Based on idea that voting power should match military power (and the wealthy had the best arms) • In charge of electing the consuls and powerful judges • Tribal Assembly • Dominated by Plebians (common people and tradesmen) • Based on where one lived (“tribe” = electoral district) • In charge of electing lesser magistrates and later, powerful tribunes of the people

Democracy? Not so much. Rome was a republic, but not a democracy. What’s the difference? • Democracy = government by the people for the people • Republic = elected officials, but don’t necessarily represent the common people The Roman insignia refers to the phrase “The Senate and the People, ” and emphasizes the Senate over the people. Example: • The Consuls • Patricians chosen by the Centuriate Assembly – common people have almost no voice • The Senate • Chosen by the consuls – could suspend civil liberties • Magistrates – Had to be Patricians

Change Over Time Life for the poor plebeians was difficult, and eventually they refused to fight for Rome unless reforms were made. Major changes occurred over time: • 494 BC - Creation of the Tribunes of the People – ten plebeians protected common people from exploitation • Each could veto any action of the government • 367 BC - Plebians could become magistrates • 287 BC - One of two consuls had to be a plebeian • Tribal Assembly becomes more powerful. By 287 BC, Rome was, in theory, a democracy.

Problems Was this real democracy? • Certainly nothing like Greek democracy • Tribal Assembly votes required people to be in Rome • Most people couldn’t do this! • Centuriate Assembly votes still favoured the wealthy Checks and Balances – a strength or weakness? • Vetos meant to prevent one group from gaining too much power • However, Tribunes used this often – sometimes without good reason • Difficult to accomplish anything • Inefficient system contributed to creation of the Roman Empire – definitely not a democracy