Rome From Republic to Empire Definitions Republic form

Rome From Republic to Empire

Definitions • Republic: form of government in which people elect representatives, who in turn vote on their behalf. Nominated/elected leader. • Empire: a large group of states/countries/(culturally diverse territory) under a single supreme authority. One emperor/monarch in charge.

Rome as a republic • Established in 509 B. C. Lasted for 500 years • Patricians: landholding, upper class • Plebeians: farmers, merchants, every one else

Structuring the Republic Senate (300 members – patricians – served for life) 1. Consul 2. Consul Supervise the business of gov. and army. Could only serve one year/every 10 years. Had to approve each other’s decisions, could veto each other. SYSTEM OF CHECKS AND BALANCES

• The Senate could choose a dictator in the event of war. Dictator could only rule for 6 months.

Plebeians fight for rights • Elected their own officials called tribunes, to protect their rights. • Could veto, or block laws. • Worked in the Assembly, and eventually chose the consuls. • Over time, forced patricians to accept plebeians as consuls and senators. • 12 Tables: laws written down and made public at the Forum, or Roman marketplace, for all to see.

Roman Empire – Rome grows through conquest • Civil wars at home, slaves rebelling • As Rome took on more and more land, they took on the characteristics of an empire. • The land proved to be too large to control, military leaders became more powerful than consuls. • Emperors inherited power, served for life, and even though there was a Senate, it was powerless against the emperor.

Political Structure of the Roman Republic • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=e. Qlw. Fi. E 0 Lsw

Crash Course: Rome • https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=o. Pf 27 g. A up 9 U