Lesson 8 2 The Roman Republic Romes Government
Lesson 8. 2 “The Roman Republic”
Rome’s Government
What were the 2 social classes in ancient Rome? Patricians and Plebeians
Which social class consisted of Rome’s wealthy landowners? patricians
What groups of peoples made up the plebeian social class? Artisans, shopkeepers and farmers
Name 2 responsibilities that all Roman citizens had. 1. to pay taxes 2. to serve in the army
Which social class had less social status? plebeians
Which social class was allowed to hold public office? patricians
Were plebeian and patricians men both allowed to be citizens? yes
What is a tripartite? The 3 part government that Rome had
What were the names of the two twin brothers who legend says founded Rome? Romulus and Remus
What is the purpose of “checks and balances” in Roman government? To make sure no one part of the government got too strong
Who were the top government officials in the Roman Republic? consuls
What were the 2 main responsibilities of the consuls? 1. They ran the government 2. They headed the army
What were consuls allowed to do if they disagreed with another consul’s decision? They could veto it
How long was a term of a consul (how long were they in office? ) 2 years
What were the main responsibilities of praetors in Rome? To interpret the law and act as judges in court
What is the main job of the “legislative” part of the Roman government? To make laws
What two groups made up the lawmaking body of government in Rome? The Senate and the Assembly of Centuries
Members of which social class belonged in the Senate in ancient Rome? patricians
Why were plebeians upset with the Roman Republic? They wanted to have more equal rights with the patricians
What actions did the plebeians take to try to get equal rights? They went on strike; they refused to serve in the army.
How did life change for plebeians after their revolt? 1. They were allowed to set up their own body of representatives 2. They were allowed to marry patricians 3. They were allowed to become consuls
What term was used to describe Roman leaders who were given complete control during times of emergency? dictator
Who is the best known early Roman dictator? Cincinnatus
What was Cincinnatus’ job before he became a dictator? He was a farmer
Approximately how long was Cincinnatus dictator of Rome? About 16 days
What term is used to refer to the idea that citizens have a responsibility to help their own country? Civic duty
What was a Roman victory parade called? A triumph
What was Rome’s first code of laws called? The Twelve Tables
How were the Twelve Tables different than earlier laws in Rome? Earlier laws were not written down.
Rome Expands
Who was Rome’s main enemy in the Mediterranean? Carthage
What early civilization founded Carthage? The Phoenicians
What was the main occupation of the Phoenicians? They were sea traders
How did the people of Carthage get rich? By trading
What caused the First Punic War? Carthage and Rome both wanted to control Sicily
What major change was made to the Roman military during the First Punic War? They formed a navy to fight Carthage, which was a sea power
Who won the First Punic War? Rome
What were the results of the First Punic War? 1. Carthage had to leave Sicily 2. Carthage had to pay a huge fine to the Romans 3. Sicily came under Roman rule
Where did Carthage try to expand to after their loss in Sicily? Spain
What caused the Second Punic War? Carthage tried to expand their empire into Spain and Rome didn’t want Carthage that close to their border.
Who won the Second Punic War? Rome
What were the results of the Second Punic War? -Carthage gave up Spain to Rome -Carthage gave up its navy -Carthage paid a large fine
What was Carthage’s only strength left after the Second Punic War? It was still a major trading center
Who won the Third Punic War? Rome
What were the results of the Third Punic War? Carthage became a Roman province
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