The RepublicGovernment Structure

Nobles who owned large estates Descendants from the founders of Rome Ruling upper class

The Patricians- who were they?

Ordinary peasants Craftsmen Farmers Merchants Free men who had the rights and could vote

The Plebeians- who were they?

Had right to vote-suffragium

Right to make contracts-commercium

Make a contract of legal marriage-conubium

Citizens- Rights

Pay taxes Serve in military

Citizens- Responsibilities

A complex set of rules determined who was or was not a Roman citizen. One could be a citizen by virtue of one's birth if certain circumstances applied. If both mother and father had conubium, the child was deemed a citizen and held the social class of its father (e.g., eques, patrician, plebeian). If a Roman citizen had a child outside of conubium, the child took the status of its mother. If the mother was not a citizen, the child was not a Roman citizen and could even be a slave.

Children born to Roman legionaries during their military service were NOT citizens. it was illegal for legionaries to wed while serving their 20-year tour of duty and, thus, there could be no conubium. Since the mothers of legionaries' children generally were not Roman citizens themselves, in the eyes of Roman law the children simply received the status and nationality of the mother.

Factors other than birthright arose over time to determine citizenship:• Latini, people from the Latin states, who took up residence in Rome were granted a class of

citizenship with limited rights. • Slaves, upon being freed, became citizens. • Peregrini, foreigners living in conquered lands, could be given full or partial citizenship. • Citizenship could be bestowed as a reward for service to the state. For example, citizenship was

eventually granted to all who served as Auxilii (Peregrini who served as auxiliary troops). In AD 212, all free inhabitants of the empire were finally granted citizenship.

Who was a Citizen?

Democratic branch All could be members (both classes) Had little power Able to elect other groups- voted for Consuls,

Magistrates, and Tribunes All citizens were members

Assembly

Elected each year 2 of them Had veto power- “I forbid” Governed city (Rome) Could not be re-elected again for 10 years

after their first consulate Both had to agree before a decision could be

made

Consuls- elected by assembly

Elected for 1 year terms Served as judges Looked after city financesCould become a Senator when they retired

Magistrates – elected by assembly

Elected 10 men to serve Could veto acts of Senate or consuls if

affected Plebeians negatively Protected the ordinary people against unfair

treatment

Tribunes- elected by assembly

Made up of Patricians Had experience Gave advice to consuls 300 men Members for life In charge of foreign policy, proposed laws,

approved building projects Very important and end up controlling Rome

Senate- retired Magistrates