1. The Roman Republic

2. The Origins of Rome Rome’s Geography Rome’s Geography Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location Site of Rome chosen for its fertile soil and strategic location Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Located on Italian Peninsula in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Built on seven hills along Tiber River Built on seven hills along Tiber River

3. The Early Republic Early Rulers Early Rulers Romans found a republic—a government in which citizens elect leaders. Romans found a republic—a government in which citizens elect leaders.

4. The Early Republic Patricians and Plebeians Patricians and Plebeians Patricians—wealthy landowning class that holds most of the power Patricians—wealthy landowning class that holds most of the power Plebeians—artisans, merchants and farmers; can vote, but cannot rule Plebeians—artisans, merchants and farmers; can vote, but cannot rule Tribunes—elected representatives who protect Plebeians’ rights Tribunes—elected representatives who protect Plebeians’ rights

5. The Early Republic Twelve Tables Twelve Tables In 451 B.C. officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets. In 451 B.C. officials carve Roman laws on twelve tablets. Called the Twelve Tables, they become the basis for later Roman law. Called the Twelve Tables, they become the basis for later Roman law. Laws confirm the right of all free citizens to the protection of the law. Laws confirm the right of all free citizens to the protection of the law. Citizenship is limited to adult male landowners. Citizenship is limited to adult male landowners. The Twelve Tables are hung in the Forum The Twelve Tables are hung in the Forum

6. The Early Republic Government Under the Republic Government Under the Republic Rome elects two consuls—one to lead the army and one to direct government. Rome elects two consuls—one to lead the army and one to direct government. Senate—chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign and domestic policy. Senate—chosen from Roman upper class; makes foreign and domestic policy. Democratic assemblies elect tribunes and makes laws for common people. Democratic assemblies elect tribunes and makes laws for common people. Dictators are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis… Dictators are leaders appointed briefly in times of crisis… How can this be harmful to a republic???? How can this be harmful to a republic????

7. ROMAN REPUBLIC