Roman Republic

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Republic A government in which power belongs to citizens, who govern themselves through elected representatives. This government was formed in 509 BCE.

SPQR   SPQR is an initial for the Latin phrase, Senātus Populusque Rōmānus, meaning "The Senate and the People of Rome."

Republic – Citizens All free male citizens could vote. Patricians Plebeians A wealthy, landowning family who claimed to be able to trace its roots back to the founding of Rome. An ordinary, working citizen of ancient Rome – such as a farmer or craftsperson. Between 494 and 287 BCE, the plebeians struggled to gain equality with the patricians.

A Constitution Only Patrician Judges new and made up the laws. Plebeians revolted and demanded reforms. First written code of laws, The Law of the Twelve Tables, in 451 BCE. Applied to BOTH Patricians and Plebeians Dealt with legal procedures, building codes, punishment and granted citizens INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS (trial by jury, witnesses at trial, and innocent until proven guilty

Balanced Branches of Power There were 3 branches that divided up the power : The CONSULS The SENATE The ASSEMBLY

Consuls Oversaw the work of the government Acted as judges Directed the army Elected for 1 year Both consuls had to agree before the government could take action In an emergency, consuls could choose a “dictator” to make quick decisions They choose the senators

Senate – “Seniors” = 300 Men Most Powerful!! Held office for life Were advisors to the consuls/ government officials Could approve/ disapprove (veto, or I reject it) laws passed by the assembly Decided how money should be spent Made decisions concerning relations with foreign countries Had influence over the Consuls and the army

“Assembly” of Tribunes of 1,000 men each – 35 tribes Voted on laws Could declare war or make peace treaties Elected the 2 consuls Elected government officials

Roman Forum The forum was the center of political, commercial and judicial life in ancient Rome. The largest buildings were the basilicas, where legal cases were heard.

1 = Basilica Julia 2 = Temple of Saturn 3 = Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus (on Capitoline hill) 4 = Tabularium (Archive Building) 5 = Temple of Vespasian 6 = Rostra 7 = Temple of Concord 8 = Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus

Independent Practice 1. Before 509 BCE, Rome was ruled by a king. Then the city established the Roman Republic with power divided among three branches of government. Why do you think the Romans wanted to govern themselves in this way? 2. Which branch of government – consuls, Senate, or Assemble – had the most power? Explain your answer. 3. In what two ways was the power of the two consuls limited? Why do you think this is? 4. Why was a dictator chosen to head the government in times of emergency? 5. The government of the United States has a President, Congress, and Supreme Court. Explain one way that the American government is like the ancient Roman government, and one way that it is different. 6. Why do you think the Patricians finally gave Plebeians the rights they demanded? Hint: it deals with the military and fighting!