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The Roman Republic (509 – 31 BC)

The Roman Republic (509 – 31 BC). Western Civilization November 12, 2012. Agenda. Book Check Turn in Reading Guides Joke of the Day The Roman Republic Learning Target: Students will know and be able to explain the development of the Roman Republic and issues facing the citizens of Rome.

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The Roman Republic (509 – 31 BC)

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  1. The Roman Republic (509 – 31 BC) Western Civilization November 12, 2012

  2. Agenda • Book Check • Turn in Reading Guides • Joke of the Day • The Roman Republic Learning Target: Students will know and be able to explain the development of the Roman Republic and issues facing the citizens of Rome

  3. End of the Kingdom • By 509 BC, Romans had expelled the Etruscan kings and were left to govern themselves

  4. A Republic • What is a republic? • Res Publica– public life • Citizens elect representatives to make political and economic decisions for them • In Rome, consisted of three levels: • Consuls • Senate • Assembly

  5. The Consuls • Two Consuls (or Magistrates) • Served as the “Executive Branch” • Supreme civil and military authority • Served as judges • Led the army • Religious duties • Veto Power • Served for 1 year, then entered Senate for life

  6. The Senate • Senatus – council of elders • Made up of ex-consuls and other political officers • Advisory body to the consuls • Legislative Branch • Controlled Rome’s finances, except in time of war • Consisted of between 300 and 800 men

  7. Assembly of the Centuries • Comitia Centuriata • Made up of all men of the army (Centurions) • Elected consuls • Accepted / rejected legislation and declarations of war • Ratified treaties • Order of vote determined by wealth • Wealthiest member voted first, giving him considerable influence over the outcome

  8. Assembly of Tribes • Comitia Tributa • Made up of all citizens • Approves/rejects: • Consul elections • Laws passed by magistrates • Declarations of war

  9. Comitium • Located in the Forum • Location of Senate houses and Rostrum

  10. Senate House

  11. Rostrum • Speaking platform • Located opposite the Senate assembly hall

  12. The Struggle of the Orders • Patricians • Plebeians

  13. Patricians • Legally and socially superior • Constituted ~ 10% of the population • Earned status through wealth or ownership of land • Monopoly of social, political, and economic power Plebeians • Everyone else

  14. What’s the Issue? • Status determined by law • Could not move up • Aristocracy • Only Patricians could serve as Senators • Plebeians could vote in Assembly, but wealthier members voted first in both Assemblies and the Senate, leading to control by the wealthy

  15. A Plebeian State? • The Roman Plebeians threatened to leave Rome and establish their own state • ConciliumPlebus • Wanted protection from unjust actions of Senators and magistrates • Victory • Plebeians allowed to elect Tribunes – plebeian members of the Senate

  16. Tribunes • Absolute Veto Power • Could not veto actions of military commander or a dictator • Could not be called into account for their actions • Could not be harmed in any way

  17. The Twelve Tables • 450 BC, Plebeians gain another victory • A law code specifying of civic and criminal, as well as relations between citizens and family members • Homework: Read the Twelve Tables and respond to the questions

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