1. Section 2: Government and Society
The Roman Republic
Section 2: Government and Society

2. Roman Government Rome developed a tripartite Magistrates
Government with three parts: magistrates, senate, and assemblies and tribunes
To fulfill its duties, each part of the government had its own powers, rights, and privileges.
Magistrates
Officials that were elected for a one-year term
Many different types with different duties– some were judges, others managed finances or organized games and festivals
The two most powerful magistrates in Rome were called consuls
Consuls were elected each year
Jobs:
Run the city
Lead the army

3. Senate
Roman Senate was a council of wealthy and powerful Romans that advised the city’s leaders
Duties:
Met to advise consuls
They served for life
Eventually gained influence over magistrates and took control of financial affairs

4. Assemblies and tribunes
Third branch of the government
Protected the common people
Had two branches
First branch was made up of assemblies
Both patricians and plebeians took part
Primary job was to elect magistrates who ran the city of Rome
Tribunes – second branch
Made up of elected officials
Elected by the plebeians
Had the ability to veto – prohibit actions by other officials
Only remained in office for one year

5. Civic duty Checks and balances
People participated in the government because they felt it was their civic duty
Duty to the city
People were expected to attend assemblies and vote in elections
Checks and balances
Methods to balance power
They keep any one part of a government from becoming stronger or more influential than the others.

6. Written Laws Keep Order
The Law of the Twelve Tables
Rome’s first written law code
Carved into 12 bronze tablets
Kept in the Forum
Rome’s public meeting place

7. The Roman Forum Was the heart of the city
Site of important government buildings and temples
Lay between two major hills
Palatine Hill
Where Rome’s richest people lived
Capitoline Hill
Where Rome’s grandest temples stood
Shops, fights, and public ceremonies also drew people to the Roman Forum