1. The Roman Republic

2. Geography of Rome
Rome was settled because it was simply a good place to live
Fertile land
Easy to defend
Water (Tiber River)
Later advantages included:
At the center of Italy
By the Mediterranean Sea (center of the known world)

3. Formation of the Roman Republic
By 264 B.C., Rome had overthrown a king and gained control of the Italian Peninsula.
Rome formed a republic (citizens can vote and select leaders). Leaders rule in the name of the people.

4. Roman Senate
The senate was the most powerful part of the Roman Republic.
The senate was made up of patricians (members of wealthy families)
Plebeians (ordinary citizens) could not hold office during the early years of the republic

5. Roman Consuls
Consuls (chief officials) led the government (2). Power was divided equally between the two.
Were responsible for enforcing laws and policies and elected by citizens
Usually only ruled for one year
Both had the power to veto (reject) any government action

6. Other Officials of the Republic
A dictator (had all the powers of a king) could be appointed in case of emergency (both consuls disagree) for 6 months
Praetors served as “junior consuls” and later as judges. Helped to develop first rules for courts of law

7. Patricians vs. Plebeians
Patricians thought themselves as leaders and wanted to control government
Plebeians wanted respect and fair treatment. Started for form groups to protect interests.
Patricians started using slave labor- reduced jobs for plebs.
Plebeians refused to join the army which led to demands being met- laws applied equally to all citizens.