The Roman Republic

• After driving out the Etruscan king Tarquin, Rome went from a monarchy to a republic.

• A Republic is run by an aristocratic council called the Senate, which was populated by a political body of patricians.

By Cindy, Rea and Jannie

“Conflict Of The Order”

• The struggle between the patricians and the plebeians.

• Patricians: Member of a noble family.• Plebeians: Commoners.

Patricians

• The Senate has two Consuls. Consuls served as the commanders-in-chief of the military.

• Dictator – One Man Rule. • When the Consuls declare an

emergency, they can be given absolute rule as a temporary dictator for six months. There are two Consuls to make sure one does not have too much power. Each can veto (cancel) a decision made by each other.

Consuls

Military Tribunes

• Voted by both small farmers and aristocrats, and can be either commoner or aristocratic.

• Well protected and held great power for the Plebeians.

• Were given the power to veto laws passed by the Senate.

A picture of Tribunes

Assembly Of The Plebs

• Presided over by Tribunes.• Allowed expanded democracy by allowing

Plebs to elect certain officials, try criminal cases, and pass legislation.

• Applies to all citizens

Censors: Created to relieve consuls of taking census. There are only two censors.• Collects taxes and organizes

military duties.Judiciary Branch: Courts. added to Executive (consuls) and Legislative Branch (assembly of senate). Plebeians urged the Senate to add it to make and apply laws equally. A Praetor is in charge of the judiciary and led armies too.

Twelve Tables

• Laws written on twelve bronze tables.• Open to legislative change.• Punishment for breaking these laws could be

clubbed to death, flogged, or thrown off cliffs.