The Government of the Republic Key Ideas In the Roman republic, power was divided among many different people so that no one person could become too powerful. The government of the Roman republic was made up of three separate branches that held different powers. The Roman republic influenced later republics, including the United States.

The Government of the Republic Key Terms constitution—system of rules by which a government is organized veto—to stop or cancel the action of a government official or body Students should use the Word Wise feature for Section 2 of the The Roman Republic chapter in their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

Key Terms magistrates—elected officials who enforce the law. The Government of the Republic Key Terms magistrates—elected officials who enforce the law. toga—a garment worn by adult men as a symbol of Roman citizenship consuls—the top officials in the Roman republic Students should use the Word Wise feature for Section 2 of the The Roman Republic chapter in their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

The Government of the Republic Roman Government Rome had an unwritten constitution, a system of rules that organized the government. How is the US Constitution different? Separation of powers kept any one person from holding too much power by allowing power to be shared among different people with set role. One way they did this was by splitting offices between two men. There wasn’t just one top leader. They elected two called CONSULS. Each consul could veto the action of the other They were also limited to one year in office. Checks and balances kept the branches of government from abusing their power. One branch could check, or stop, another branch from misusing its power. Rule of law meant that even powerful people could be tried for breaking the law. Clarify that the Roman constitution was unwritten, unlike that of the United States. Then ask students to identify the groups that shared power in the Roman republic. Discuss the effect of a veto. Then ask students why the Romans wanted to divide power among individuals and branches of government.

Roman Citizens Free Roman men were citizens The Government of the Republic Roman Citizens Free Roman men were citizens Women and slaves were not and had not direct role in government. The symbol of Roman citizenship was the toga. Roman citizens had the right to a trial. Any adult male citizen had the right to vote and responsibility to serve in the army if they could afford their own armor. Patricians were from oldest families. They were usually wealthy, and, at first, they controlled all government offices. Plebeians were the majority of Romans. They were not aristocratic. Many were farmers and artisans. They gained access to political offices over time. Review the differences between patricians and plebeians. Then use the questions to review students’ understanding of the remaining text in the subheading Roman Citizens.

Branches of Roman Government The Government of the Republic Roman Government Branches of Roman Government With students, list and describe the three main branches (the assemblies, the senate, the magistrates) of the Roman government. Review the differences between members of the assembly different from magistrates or senators.

What was each branch of the Roman government like? The Government of the Republic What was each branch of the Roman government like? Assemblies In what way were the Roman assemblies democratic? All adult males could participate in assemblies though the votes of the wealthy usually counted for more than those of the poor. Assemblies elected officials and passed laws Checked the power of the Senate and magistrates Senate In what way was the Roman senate an oligarchy? Made up of the wealthiest and best-known older Roman men Chosen by an official called the censor Did not represent the people Guide to the state Advised the assemblies and magistrates Most powerful part of Roman government Magistrates In what way were Roman magistrates like monarchs? Wealthy men whose ancestors usually held high offices Use the questions to help students categorize each part of the Roman government.

The Government of the Republic The Race of Honors quaestors  accountants who kept track of the states’ money. If did well they may run for aedile. aedile  in charge of holding festivals and maintaining public buildings. tribunes of the plebs  tribunes were protectors of the plebians; had the right to veto laws praetors  judged cases, managed the city of Rome, and led armies in times of war consuls  top officials in Rome – lead the army and preside over the senate and magistrates. Walk students through the different offices and steps in the Race of Honors. Ask them to give a detail for each group, such as a typical job duty or symbol of the office. Then have students state in one sentence the job of each official listed. Refer students to the Digital Simulation about the Race of Honors to explore this topic further.

In ancient Rome a dictator was an important public official. The Government of the Republic In ancient Rome a dictator was an important public official. The senate could vote to name a dictator in times of great emergency Served for a maximum of 6 months and had complete power. Help students complete the organizer with information about Roman government and the United States government. Discuss similarities and differences, such as in the role of women. Then ask students what they think America’s founders thought of the Roman republic

Roman Society Key Ideas Roman men were the leaders of their families while women had other roles. Life was very different for different classes of Romans. Religion was important to the Roman people, and the Roman government played a role in it.

Key Terms patriarchal society—society in which men Roman Society Key Terms patriarchal society—society in which men rule their families and people trace their origins through male ancestors paterfamilias—head of the household Students should use the Word Wise feature for Section 3 of the Roman Republic Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

Key Terms villa—large country home Roman Society Key Terms villa—large country home established religion—an official religion supported by the government Students should use the Word Wise feature for Section 3 of Roman Republic chapter of their Student Journal to explore Key Terms.

for men and women in Rome? Roman Society How was life different for men and women in Rome? Men • owned all property • had absolute power over their families and its slaves Women • could own personal property • had an active role in social life and participated in religious rituals • were not allowed to vote, attend assemblies, or hold public office • were responsible for bearing and raising Roman children Use the lists to help students clarify the different roles of men and women in Roman society. Then ask students to recall what they learned about Greek women and compare their lives with those of Roman women.

for rich and poor Romans? Roman Society How was life different for rich and poor Romans? MOST Romans were poor free people or slaves. A small minority were wealthy. Rich • were small part of Roman society • made money from agriculture or business • owned slaves who did all the work • lived in large and luxurious houses; often had second houses in the country • participated in government and politics Poor • were largest part of Roman society • lived in crowded and dangerous conditions • were often tenant farmers or day laborers • also worked in shops or restaurants Use the lists to help students clarify the different roles of poor and wealthy people in Roman society. Have students briefly describe life for each group.

Slavery How did people become slaves in the Roman republic? Roman Society Slavery How did people become slaves in the Roman republic? Could be born into it, or if he/she was captured in war, kidnapped or fell into to much debt. What kinds of jobs did slaves do? Worked in mines or on large farms; some worked in homes, educated slaves worked as secretaries or teachers(Greeks) In what ways could a slave become free? Served loyally or buy their freedom Freed slaves became citizens and could vote Did Roman slaves ever fight back against their masters? Yes – most famous Spartacus who led an army of rebel slaves in 70’s BC. Have students describe the lives of Roman slaves. Then use the questions above to review their understanding of the subsection Slavery.

How were Roman religion Roman Society How were Roman religion and government linked? Rome had an established religion, supported by the government. Top government officials were often priests or consulted religious experts about decisions. Roman leaders believed their success or the success of the empire came from the favor of the gods. Review the features of Roman religion. Then read the quote by Cicero in the textbook aloud and ask, What does Cicero’s remark about the gods suggest he believes about the importance of pleasing the gods?