The Government of the Republic

From Monarchy to Republic Rome began as an independent city state The Roman Kings Had broad powers Served as head of the army, chief priest and supreme judge Ruled with consent of wealthy aristocrats called the senate The Founding of the Republic Over time aristocrats grew tired of royal rule 509 BCE the romans overthrew the king and formed a republic Republic= a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, which has elected or nominated a president

Principles of Roman Government Rome’s system combined various forms of government to give all citizens a role in government. Rome’s Constitution Constitution: system of rules by which a government is organized Rome’s was unwritten and based on custom Separation of Powers Power is divided among different branches of government System to ensure one person doesn’t have too much power Offices were split between two or more men Two top leaders called consuls Limited power of officials by limiting time in office to one year

Principles of Roman Government Checks and Balances Checks and balances= powers each branch of government has has to limit the power the power of another branch of government Each branch had its own power but one branch could stop abuse of another with its own rules Power was divided among three branches of government Senate, Assembly, Magistrates Veto= to stop or cancel the action Rule of Law Defined= The law applies to everyone Even elected officials

Roman Citizens Free Roman men were citizens of the republic Symbol of citizenship was the toga Rights and Responsibilities All citizens had a right to a trial All citizens had to serve in the army if he could afford his own armor Patricians From wealthy families Plebeians Majority of Romans Farmers or artisans Forced patricians to open political offices by going on strike during war

Assemblies and Senate Assemblies The Senate Consuls Dictators All adults male citizens could participate Elected officials and passed laws The Senate Made up of patricians Chose by censor Ran foreign policy, made suggestions, decided how to spend money Consuls Top officials in the Roman Republic Lead the army, highest judges Dictators Important public official in ancient Rome Held complete power for a limited time In times of emergency

Magistrates Magistrates= Elected official who enforces the laws Wealthy men Elected position

The Roman Example The Roman Republic lasted 500 years Many modern examples of government were inspired by the Romans United States of America Citizens have the right to vote 3 branches of government Checks and balances Rule of law

Tullia’s Father Saves the Republic My World pages 580-583 What are some reasons Tullia is proud of her father? Why are Cicero’s views about his daughter unusual in the Roman Republic? Using examples explain Cicero’s leadership style.