Rome Republic
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Transcript Rome Republic
Chapter 14
April 1, 2008
THE ROMAN REPUBLIC
Background Information
509 B.C. Romans overthrew Tarquin the
Proud
Romans set up a republic, or a form of
government in which the people choose
their rulers
Romans were divided into two social
classes: patricians (rich families) and
plebeians (poor, usually farmers and
artisans)
Patricians
10% of population
Performed religious rituals
Could hold public office
Plebeians
Citizens
Paid taxes
Served in army
Could NOT marry patricians or
serve in the government
Could be sold into slavery if in
debt
The Government
Consuls
Heads of the Roman Republic
Were chosen each year
Administrators and military leaders
Power of veto
Both had to agree before law was
passed
300Senate
men
Chosen for life
Handled daily
problems of the
government
Advised the consuls
Proposed laws
Approved public
contracts for building
roads and temples
Judges, Assemblies, and
Tribunes
Protected the rights of plebeians
All Roman citizens belonged to
Assemblies
Could declare war
Could agree to peace terms
The Twelve Tables
450 B.C. Laws were carved on 12 bronze
tables
Foundation for all Roman Law
Placed in the Forum
Applied to patricians and plebeians
Included wills, property rights, marriage
customs, punishment for crimes and court
actions
Review Questions
What were some restrictions placed on the
plebeians during the early years of the Roman
Republic?
Who belonged to the Roman Assemblies?
Why do you think it was important for the
Romans to have laws written down?