1. Ancient Rome
The Roman Republic

2. Early History of Rome 3 groups that influenced early Rome Greeks
Established colonies in Italy and Sicily
Taught Romans how to grow grapes and olives
Art, literature, and architecture influenced Romans
Etruscans
From northern Italy
Latins
First to settle in Rome
Gods were influenced by Greeks and Etruscans

3. The Roman Republic Etruscan kings ruled Rome from 600 B.C. to 509 BC
Roman aristocrats overthrew the last Etruscan king in 509 BC
Establish a republic

4. The Roman Republic Republic
A form of government in which elected officials govern the state
power rests with citizens who have the right to vote for their leaders
Indirect democracy or representative democracy
Rome allowed free-born male citizens to participate in elections
Women could not vote

5. The Roman Republic Patricians
Rich landowners who held most power in Rome
Made up 10% of the population
Ran the government and made the laws

6. Patricians and Plebeians
Farmers, blacksmiths, and merchants
Majority in Rome
Could not hold most government positions

7. Patricians and Plebeians
Plebeians demanded more rights in Rome from the patricians
Plebeian Council
Allowed to elect their own assembly
Tribunes
Officials elected to protect the rights of plebeians
Could veto laws that were unjust to plebeians

8. The Twelve Tables of Rome
First written code of law in Rome
Plebeians demanded laws of Rome be written down
Laws were carved on twelve bronze tablets and displayed in the Roman Forum
Established the principle that all free citizens had the right to protection of the law

9. Roman Government Consuls 2 consuls elected by the assembly for 1 year
Chief executives and commanded the army

10. Roman Government Senate 300 patrician men Served for life
Controlled finances and foreign relations
Advised consuls

11. Roman Government Assemblies Tribal Assembly and Centuriate Assembly
Made laws and elected officials
Gaius Gracchus, tribune of the people, presiding over the Plebeian Council

12. Roman Government
In times of crisis, the republic could appoint a dictator to rule Rome.
Dictator
a leader who has absolute power
Could only rule for six months
Were chosen by the consul and elected by the Senate
Cincinnatus

13. The Roman Forum The center of life in Rome
Marketplace and civic center
Senate met in the forum
Public speeches were given here
Site of many businesses

14. Closure Answer in complete sentences:
What is the difference between a republic and a direct democracy?
What was the difference between patricians and plebeians?
Would you approve of the US having two consuls instead of one president? Why or why not?