S.P.Q.R. Senatus Populusque Romanus

The 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.

The Roman Forum Palatine Hill valley drained Public meeting and speaking place & heart of political life. The Forum was the main marketplace and business center. ****LATER **** The Twelve Tables were hung in the Forum

The Twelve Tables = Roman Law

The Patricians Referred to elite rich families in ancient Rome. Patricians were the aristocrats of Rome, took over after kings were expelled in 509 B.C. The upper class Controlled the Senate and Republic. Ruled unjustly, treated Plebeians unfairly Lived within Rome, fortified

The Plebeians The working/ poor class of Rome. –Farmers, metal workers, artisans, and merchants. Lived in the countryside People from other conquered cities In debt after wars Dependent on the Patricians Had voting power but no control of the Republic. Held no office. Not fairly represented.

Republican Form of Government

The Roman government was a republic.

In a republic, citizens can choose their leaders.

The republic was established in 509 B.C. and lasted nearly 500 years.

One difference between the Roman republic and the Greek democracy was that in Greece all men could vote, but in Rome, only men with money and property could vote.

Another difference between the Roman republic and the Greek democracy was that in Greece all men voted on every law and in Rome the wealthy elected representatives to make laws for everyone.

This type of democracy is called a representative democracy.

2 Consuls 2 officials of Rome (Patricians), replaced the King Role :Role :Commanded the army and Governed the City. Limited power Term:Term: 1 year No reelection for 10 years Can overrule the other consul's decision There are 2 consuls, so no one person would become to powerful

The Magistrates Role:Role: Officials who were appointed to be judges, to look after the cities finances and other jobs. Had power over all citizens and the power to veto other officials with equal or lesser power. TermTerm: 1 year in office

The Tribunes = Forms in 494BC Role:Role: Protected the plebeian’s rights and from unfair treatment. Role:Role: Approved or rejected laws & declared war. Allowed to VETO actions of senators and other officials VETO means “I forbid” in Latin Voice of the common people. The veto made the Tribunes powerful Term:Term: Only in office for 1 year

The Senate 300 members, Rich & powerful Romans Role:Role: Gave advice to the Consuls Influence of domestic and foreign policy Patricians only allowed until Plebeians fought for more rights and political influence. Term:Term: Membership for life. When Magistrates retired they became members of the Senate.

How was the Roman government organized?

Since the Romans did not want one man to make all of the laws, they decided to balance the power of the government between three branches:

the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch.

Executive Branch

The two leaders of the executive branch, the consuls, were elected for just one year by the upper class.

They supervised the Senate and ordered the Roman army during wars.

Other members of the executive branch were the tax collectors, mayors, city police, and other people in positions of power in cities.

Legislative Branch

The most powerful part of the legislative branch was the Senate..

The Senate was a group of about 300 male citizens who owned land.

They could tell the consuls how much money they could spend and on what.

These men were appointed by the consuls.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch had six judges who were elected every two years.

They were in charge of deciding punishments that criminals would receive.

Their job was similar to the job that judges have today in the United States.

Would I have been able to vote in Rome?

In ancient Rome, you were not allowed to vote on laws or elect leaders of the government until you were an adult.

Even then, only men who owned land were allowed to have a say in the laws.

Do as the Romans Do! The government of the Roman Republic was one of its greatest strengths. When the founders of the United States sat down to plan our government, they copied many elements of the Roman system. Like the Romans, we elect our leaders. Our government also has three branches— the president, Congress, and the federal court system. The powers of these branches are set forth in our Constitution, just like the Roman officials’ powers were. Our government also has a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from becoming too strong. For example, Congress can refuse to give the president money to pay for programs. Like the Romans, Americans have a civic duty to participate in the government to help keep it as strong as it can be.