Roman Republic Government 3 time periods of Roman
Roman Republic Government
3 time periods of Roman History
Key Terms – GOV’T • Republic: Form of government where citizens have the right elect their leaders • Also has a constitution or set of laws for the civilization
Key Terms – Social Classes • Roman Republic had 2 main social classes: • Patricians: • 1) Wealthy land-owners • 2) Had most power • 3) Could influence the government • Plebeians: • • • 1) 95% of the population 2) Ordinary citizens, some poor 3) Could not influence government
Creating the Republic • At first, Rome was ruled by Etruscan kings from 650 -509 B. C. • The patricians did not like the rule of the Etruscans, so they rebelled! In 509 B. C. , the Roman Republic began after patricians overthrew the last Etruscan king.
Government Structure PATRICIANS WOMEN Could not own property or vote CITIZENS PLEBEIANS SLAVES No rights
SENATE 1) 300 Patricians, held position for life to make laws 2) Controlled finances ($) 3) Involved with foreign and some military matters PATRICIANS CITIZENS
2 CONSULS 1) Elected by Senate, position for 1 year 2) Declare war, Commander in chief 3) Judges when needed in major cases 1) 2) 3) SENATE DICTATOR chosen in an EMERGENCY
THINK-PAIR-SHARE Plebeians held no influence in the government in the early Roman Republic. How do you think Plebeians felt with the Patricians having so much power? How would you solve this imbalance of power?
Plebeians get Reforms • Early on, plebeians had to obey laws, but had no say or influence. • 451 B. C. – Laws were written down, called the Twelve Tables • The plebeians rebelled and made the patricians compromise • 367 B. C. – One of the consuls had to be a plebeian • Plebeians are allowed to elect: People’s Assembly and 10 Tribunes • 287 B. C. – Plebeians gain right to pass laws for all Roman citizens (men)
PEOPLES’ ASSEMBLY 1) Make laws for Plebeians (eventually for all citizens) 2) Elect 10 Tribunes members 3) Tried legal cases (court) PLEBEIANS
10 TRIBUNES 1) Speak for Plebeians to the Senate 2) Could veto* laws they felt were unfair to Plebeians 3) Elected by Peoples’ Assembly PEOPLES’ ASSEMBLY 1) 2) 3) *Veto = reject, “I forbid it”
1) 2) 3) SENATE s ian be f Ple rt o lly pa tua be en to ate Ev ble Sen a PEOPLES’ ASSEMBLY 1) 2) 3) PLEBEIANS
Now, It’s your turn! You are a member of the Roman senate (Plebeian or Patrician)…. . And you receive a letter from a fellow Roman citizen who needs your advice!. .
Your task is to read the letter from Maximus Plebius. With your group answer the questions on the back of your notes sheet that would help give Maximus the information he needs. Show your knowledge of the Roman Republic government and how it can help him!
Roman Republic is one of the main influences for U. S. government
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