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Forget Hump Day… How about a Snow Day?. Roman Republic. “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day”. Roman Republic Begins. Founded as the “City on Seven Hills” in present day Italy Drove out the hated Etruscan king in 509 BCE Set up a new government called a republic “Thing of the people”
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Roman Republic “Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day”
Roman Republic Begins • Founded as the “City on Seven Hills” in present day Italy • Drove out the hated Etruscan king in 509 BCE • Set up a new government called a republic • “Thing of the people” • Roman citizens chose officials to represent them • Goal to keep any individual from gaining too much power
Senate • Originally, the Senate was the most powerful governing body (300 members) who debated and voted on foreign affairs, laws, and finances. • Senators served for life and were initially just made up of wealthy, upper class men.
Patricians vs. Plebeians • Patricians = members of the landholding upper class • Plebeians = the farmers, merchants, artisans, and traders who made up the bulk of the population and had little influence in government
If there is a split between the patricians and plebeians, what could possibly go wrong in Rome?
Power of the Patricians • Consuls = Elected leader of the Roman Republic from the patrician class. Could only serve one term. Expected to consult with the Senate. • Elected two consuls every year to supervise the business of government and command the armies
What are the benefits of having two consuls? • What could possibly go wrong?
Plebeians Demand Equality • Laws of the 12 Tables set up in the Forum (marketplace) in 450 BCE • Tribunes = Elected officials from the Plebeian class. • In the senate, tribunes could veto, or block, laws they felt were harmful to the Plebeians
If the Roman Republic is a “thing of the people,” why would the Plebeians demand equality? • Once they achieved these reforms, what could possibly go wrong?
Dictators • In the event of war or emergency, the Senate might choose a dictator for Rome • Dictator = granted emergency powers to rule for 6 months and then gave up power. Cincinnatus
Considering the job of the dictator and the story of Cincinnatus, what could possibly go wrong with the Roman Republic?