THE REPUBLIC
VOCABULARY
monarchy-goverment ruled by one ruler/goverment
oligarchy-goverment ruled by a few people
democracy-goverment ruled by the people
consul- one of two leaders in the goverment of the Roman Republic
senator- a goverment official who advised the consuls of the Roman Republic
republic- a goverment in which people choose their own leaders
elect- to choose or vote for the leaders you want
By the time of the sixth century, Romans were unhappy with the kings. They wanted more share in the decisions and a more significant role in the government. A one-man rule was, in their eyes, untrustworthy. Romans wanted rights for all citizens.
Tarquinius Superbus (Tarquin the Proud), the seventh Etruscan-born king of Rome, paid little heed to their concerns. When the patricians revolted, he was forced to flee and later sought help from the neighboring Etruscans. After 16 years of fighting, Tarquin was defeated. The Romans vowed to never be ruled by a king again, and the Roman Republic was born.
The Republic was a conscious effort to be what is called today a mixed government--a combination of the best qualities possessed by a democracy, oligarchy, and monarchy. They devised a system of three branches, comprised of two people or consuls, the Senate, and the Assembly.
The consuls, who functioned as an executive branch, were elected to one year terms. For any matter to be approved, the consent of both consuls was required. Since the consuls changed so often, the real ruler of the Roman Republic was an Assembly called the SENATE. The Senate, was a group of about 300 men older men (called senators) who owned land. They advised the people (oligarchic rule). The Senate had even more say so about money than the consuls. They often told the consuls where and how much they could spend. The Senate communicated with other cities and countries. The Republic also included an Assembly where the people could express their opinions. Finally, judges (called praetors) who knew the law were elected annually by the people.
Republic was very unusual for its time. During this time, kings and royal families fuled in most places. If a king died, then the people didn't get to choose the new king. Usually the king's son or another member of the royal family would become the new king.
This mixed government and separation of powers, which characterized the Republic of Rome, was the foundation of the checks and balances system we use in the U.S. today. Many historians believe the long-lived success of the Republic was due to this unique form of rule.
Some information was adapted from: Greek and Roman Civilization, Educational Research Council of America
Our government system has its roots in the Roman Republic. examples-- consuls=President, Praetors=Supreme Court, Senate=Senate and the Assembly=House of Representatives. .
VOCABULARY
Law-
rule-
patricians-
Plebeians-
As the government of the Republic emerged, all the power lay in the hands of the upper class patricians in the form of consuls, Senate and Assembly of Centuries. The lower class plebeians were dissatisfied with this arrangement, and conflicts were common until a second assembly was formed. The Tribune, as it was called, was comprised of men elected by the plebeians to represent them in the Senate.
The plebeians also contributed to the Republic by publishing Rome's first law code, the Twelve Tables. Considered by Romans to be the source of all law, the bronze tablets on which the laws were carved were set in the Forum in 450 B.C. What is important about the Twelve Tables is not the laws themselves (many in fact unfavorable to the plebeians), but that the law had been made public and applied to all members of society. The distinction was made between secular law (ius--meaning that which is due in human relations); and sacred law, (fas--which was considered divine and above human interference.) To this day, the concepts of Roman law ( as found in the Twelve Tables and the later codes of Theodocius and Justinian) dominate the world over with the exception of England.
(Additional information----The plebeians also contributed to the Republic by publishing Rome's first law code, the Twelve Tables. Considered by Romans to be the source of all law, the bronze tablets on which the laws were carved were set in the Forum in 450 B.C. What is important about the Twelve Tables is not the laws themselves (many in fact unfavorable to the plebeians), but that the law had been made public and applied to all members of society. The distinction was made between secular law (ius--meaning that which is due in human relations); and sacred law, (fas--which was considered divine and above human interference.) To this day, the concepts of Roman law ( as found in the Twelve Tables and the later codes of Theodocius and Justinian) dominate the world over with the exception of England.)
These laws were written on 12 bronze tables so that they would not be stolen or changed. They were placed in the Roman Forum (market place) for everyone to read. Memorization of these laws became part of every boys schooling.
Read the laws listed on the Twelve Tables of Roman
Make a pyramid listing the different classes in the order of importance and influence: Click here for a worksheet to help your students--
CONSULS- these were 2 older men who owned land that were elected every year by the people to oversee the senate.
THE SENATE AND SENATORS-- the Senate was the main law and policy-making body in Rome. Two consuls were elected to head the senate. Poorer citizens (Plebeians) campaigned for and eventually won the right to stand for high office. The senate continued to function under the Roman emperors.
Patricians- were the wealthiest and most aristocratic. They were the upper class. They held the most of the important political, religious, and legal appointment
Plebeians- were the poor, or ordinary people of Rome
Slaves and freedmen-- the Roman Empire relied heavily on slave labor. Slaves did most of the dirty jobs. But educated Greek slaves were highly valued as tutors and some became very influential. Some slaves were granted their freedom, or were allowed to buy it. They were known as freedmen.