Rule of kings replaced by two consuls
- consuls are elected officials
- one year term
- always aristocrats
- duties: dealing justice, making law, commanding army
- one consul could veto the other (reducing the power of the individual)
fifth century BCE - patrician dominance of the government was challenged by plebs
- 98% of the population was plebs
Patricians Dominate?
- plebs served in the army, could not serve in office
- plebs were threatened with debt slavery
- plebs had no legal rights
Plebs were victims of discriminatory decisions in judicial trials
Rome had no actual laws, only unwritten customs
patricians could interpret these to their own advantage
Plebs refused to serve in the military until:
- laws were written out (Law of the Twelve Tables)
- these laws were publicly posted - 450 BCE
- tribunes were elected "tribal leaders"
SPQR - Senatus Populusque Romanun
designates any decree or decision made by the "Roman Senate and People"
Res publica
brand new republic, ready to run
democracy (the people's assembly and tribunes)
aristocracy (Senate - approx. 300 members)
monarchy (consuls)
not a tyranny
Ancient Roman/US Government
originally, US modeled new government on Roman model
both have three branches
- executive
- legislative
- judicial
both have legal code
Executive
US
President and VP
4 year terms
can veto proposed laws
Commander-in-chief
Rome
could appoint 6 month dictator
controls military
2 consuls
Legislative
Rome
Senate 300 people - aristocrats - members for life
assemblies - members for life
US
Senate - 100 senators - 6 year terms
House of Representatives - 435 members - 2 year terms
Judicial
US
Supreme Court
nine members
appointed by President
confirmed by Senate
lifetime terms
Rome
Praetors
chosen by the Centuriate Assembly
one year term
Rome
Twelve Tables
publicly displayed
gave rights to plebeians
only protected free-born male citizens
US
Bill of Rights
First 10 Amendments to Constitution
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