1. Objectives Students will be able to define a republic.
understand how the broad definition of a republic applies to different types of governments.

2. Republic
A republic is a form of government where the people vote for representatives who are then responsible for making laws and running the government.

3. Origin of the Term The term comes from the Latin words
res publica, which mean “matters
of the state.”
Republican governments represent a wide range of governments around the world

4. Wide Range of Governments Republics
In a democracy the people retain most of the control of the government.
Oligarchy is a government controlled by a select few.
Dictatorship is when one person controls most parts of the government.

5. Roman Republic Case Study
The Roman Republic started with the overthrow of the monarchy circa 500 BCE.
It had a complicated constitution which included concepts like separation of powers & checks and balances.

6. Roman Republic Case Study
Rome had a legislature called the Senate.
The senate was controlled by a select wealthy class called patricians.
The lower classes were called the plebeians.
The Senate would elect 2 leaders, called consuls.
They would serve for one year.

7. Roman Republic Early Period
The Roman Republic was controlled by a select few ancient families from the monarchy period
These families belong to a group called the patricians
The patricians controlled Rome through the Senate
(A legislative body that passed laws for the Republic)

8. Roman Republic Late Period (133- 81 BCE)
In this period Rome endured serious political fighting between two factions.
Plebeians
Lesser families of Rome (plebeians) would establish some control over Roman policies. (Gracchi Brothers)
The fighting would end when Cornelius Sulla established himself as dictator to re-establish order.
Sulla
Roman Re- enactors

9. Legacy of Sulla
Roman coin with Sulla
Sulla, as promised, eventually resigned his dictatorship and served as a Consul of Rome for one year before retiring.
Sulla’s brief dictatorship would have dire consequences for the history of the Republic.
It set a precedent for military commanders to enter Rome with their army to establish control over Rome.

10. Julius Caesar’s Rise & Fall 62- 44 BCE
Julius Caesar (successful military general) forms an alliance with Crassus & Pompey (First Triumvirate) to manipulate the political system in Rome.
Julius Caesar would become sole dictator in 49 BCE.
Crassus died in Battle fighting the Parthian Empire.
Pompey was defeated by Caesar & later assassinated in Egypt.
Coin of Julius Caesar
Assassination of Caesar
44 BCE Julius Caesar was assassinated by political rivals.
As a result, a civil war would last until 29 BCE.

11. Fall of the Republic 44- 27 BCE
Young Octavian
To re-establish order a Second Triumvirate (Joint rule) was established by Octavian (adopted son of Julius Caesar), Marc Anthony, & Lepidus
Lepidus would retire soon after
Marc Anthony would eventually lose to Octavian at the Battle of Actium
27 BCE Octavian was granted the name “Augustus” & given permanent consular powers.
The Republic came to an end…Augustus Caesar became emperor
Marc Anthony & Cleopatra
Note: The Name Caesar would eventually come to mean emperor (e.g. Russian monarchs- Czar)

12. Checking Understanding
How is a republic different from a monarchy?
What best describes the Roman Republic: Democracy, Oligarchy, or Dictatorship? Explain your answer.
We will study democracy next. For homework, brainstorm what you know about democracy.