The Early Republic

Before the Republic What form of government preceded the Roman Republic? – Monarchy (753 BC – 509 BC) – The Republic traditionally began in 509 BC

What is a Republic? It comes from the Latin “res publica” (public matter) a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law (Webster’s Dictionary)

Roman Republic There was a constitution; however, it was unwritten. Mainly the constitution was a set of practices and customs set on precedent. “A major cause of change was the long, yet successful, struggle of the common people, the plebs, to acquire legal and political equality with the upper-class patricians” (Ecce Romani)

The leaders of the Roman Republic Two consuls One-year terms Why such short terms? – The Romans were wary of the monarchy. They did not want a form of government where one person (rex, king) had unlimited power

Lucius Junius Brutus Lucius Tarquinius Collatinus

Two Consuls Praetors Aediles Tribunes quaestors magistrates

Consuls and the Magistrates Consuls – head of civil government and generals of the army Praetors – directed judicial system Aediles – supervised commerce and public works Tribunes – championed the lower class Quaestors – handled financial matters

Censors Chosen every five years Revised list of Senate members Carried out the census (assigning citizens to classes)

Cursus honorum “course of offices” – Roman political careers Think about political careers for American politicians. Is president usually the first elected office the person holds?

Cursus honorum Military service quaestor praetor Senate Consul Censor

The Senate

Senatus Populusque Romanus

The Senate An advisory council Members were former magistrates – Once a man became a quaestor, he was eligible for Senate membership Although just “advised” consuls, the Senate did have a large influence in the Roman government. Advised on finance and foreign policy Served for life, unless expelled by censors

Exit Pass List two offices in the Roman Republic government. What does SPQR mean?