Roman Republic 509 BCE Resulted from discontent of

Roman Republic (509 BCE) � � Resulted from discontent of tyrannical Etruscan monarchy In a republic, citizens elect leaders to run their government. SPQR = Senatus Populusque Romanus or the Senate and the People of Rome A combination of aristocracy, oligarchy and democracy

Patricians vs. Plebians The internal history of the Roman Republic consisted of constant tension and feuds between the patricians and the plebeians Patricians Senatorial aristocracy Landowning aristocracy From Latin word ‘patres’ which means father Plebeians People Landless poor From Latin word ‘plebs’ which means common people

Government in The Roman Republic � � The Roman Senate council of most powerful, artistocratic men in Rome controlled the state budget and foreign affairs owned most of the land chosen for life

Magistrates Consul � � � most powerful magistrates were the two consuls, or Chief Magistrates of State both had the power to veto (Latin for “I forbid”) each other in important decisions elected by the patricians for a term of one year and could not be elected again for 10 years extensive legislative, judicial power usually commanded the army Cicero Scipio Africanus the Elder Lucius Junius Brutus

Praetors • Elected annually • Second most powerful men because they controlled the administration of justice. • Originally only two- one for justice in Rome and one for relations btw Roman citizens and non-citizens • As Rome grew, more elected and although Patrician position originally, by 197 bce, Plebians could also hold this title.

Censors Aediles • Two people held office for 5 years • Former consuls • Guardians of roman citizenship/ lists • Oversee public morality • Responsible for maintenance of roads, public executions, and water Quaestors • Elected annually • Administer financial matters

Plebian Tribal Council and Tribunes � � � membership restricted to non-senatorial males Given sacred immunity 2 plebeian tribunes elected and could veto decisions made by consuls eventually increased to 10 tribunes the establishment of Tribunes became powerful interpreters of the peoples’ wishes