Roman Republic

A Roman myth says that the city of Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus. Click picture to view short video.

Romans were very proud and they expected their leaders to be willing to die for their country.

Roman citizens were divided into two groups: Patricians – the wealthiest, most powerful citizens in Rome. Most members of the Roman government were Patricians. Plebeians – all of the other Roman citizens (about 90% of the population), these were the soldiers, farmers, & merchants.

Romans created a form of government called a republic. In a republic, people have the right to vote for, or choose their leaders.

The governing body in the Roman Republic was the Senate, which was made up entirely of Patricians.

Each year, 2 Patricians were chosen as consuls to manage the government and the army.

In times of an emergency, the consuls could select a dictator, one person to have control over all of Rome. A dictator could rule for only 1 year.

Because the Plebeians wanted representation in government too, 10 Plebeian Tribunes were appointed to the Senate. They had little say over the laws, but they could veto, or “forbid,” any action taken by the Senate. This gave at least a little power to the Plebeians.