1. Roman Republic

2. Warm-Up

3. Directions

5. Republic
A government in which power belongs to citizens, who govern themselves through elected representatives.
This government was formed in 509 BCE.

6. SPQR
SPQR is an initial for the Latin phrase, Senātus Populusque Rōmānus, meaning "The Senate and the People of Rome."

7. Republic – Citizens All free male citizens could vote.
Patricians
Plebeians
A wealthy, landowning family who claimed to be able to trace its roots back to the founding of Rome.
An ordinary, working citizen of ancient Rome – such as a farmer or craftsperson.
Between 494 and 287 BCE, the plebeians struggled to gain equality with the patricians.

8. A Constitution Only Patrician Judges new and made up the laws.
Plebeians revolted and demanded reforms.
First written code of laws, The Law of the Twelve Tables, in 451 BCE.
Applied to BOTH Patricians and Plebeians
Dealt with legal procedures, building codes, punishment and granted citizens INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS (trial by jury, witnesses at trial, and innocent until proven guilty

9. Balanced Branches of Power
There were 3 branches that divided up the power :
The CONSULS
The SENATE
The ASSEMBLY

10. Consuls Oversaw the work of the government Acted as judges
Directed the army
Elected for 1 year
Both consuls had to agree before the government could take action
In an emergency, consuls could choose a “dictator” to make quick decisions
They choose the senators

11. Senate – “Seniors” = 300 Men
Most Powerful!!
Held office for life
Were advisors to the consuls/ government officials
Could approve/ disapprove (veto, or I reject it) laws passed by the assembly
Decided how money should be spent
Made decisions concerning relations with foreign countries
Had influence over the Consuls and the army

12. “Assembly” of Tribunes of 1,000 men each – 35 tribes
Voted on laws
Could declare war or make peace treaties
Elected the 2 consuls
Elected government officials

13. Roman Forum
The forum was the center of political, commercial and judicial life in ancient Rome. The largest buildings were the basilicas, where legal cases were heard.

14. 1 = Basilica Julia 2 = Temple of Saturn 3 = Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus (on Capitoline hill) 4 = Tabularium (Archive Building) 5 = Temple of Vespasian 6 = Rostra 7 = Temple of Concord 8 = Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus

15. Independent Practice
1. Before 509 BCE, Rome was ruled by a king. Then the city established the Roman Republic with power divided among three branches of government. Why do you think the Romans wanted to govern themselves in this way?
2. Which branch of government – consuls, Senate, or Assemble – had the most power? Explain your answer.
3. In what two ways was the power of the two consuls limited? Why do you think this is?
4. Why was a dictator chosen to head the government in times of emergency?
5. The government of the United States has a President, Congress, and Supreme Court. Explain one way that the American government is like the ancient Roman government, and one way that it is different.
6. Why do you think the Patricians finally gave Plebeians the rights they demanded? Hint: it deals with the military and fighting!