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EARLY ROMAN GOVERNMENT
What political tensions existed in the early republic between the
rich and poor?
AGENDA
• Reading : Evolution of Roman Government
• Video : Cincinnatus
• Quick Write : Patricians vs. Plebeians
• Essential Question : Italian Geography and Life
EARLY ROMAN GOVERNMENT
Early during its history Rome was ruled by kings who constructed the first temples as well as Rome’s basic infrastructure.
The rule of kings came to an end in 509 when Rome’s nobles overthrew the last king, Tarquin the Proud, due to his many
cruelties against the Roman people. Following Tarquin’s overthrow, Rome’s nobles created a republic. Each year they
elected officials to rule the city although they only served for a single year to stop them becoming too powerful. During
times of emergency the Romans would appoint dictators – rulers with almost absolute power – to lead the city.
One of Rome’s famous dictators was Cincinnatus, who gained power in 458 BC to defend Rome against the Aequi and
Sabines – two nearby tribes who had just trapped and destroyed a Roman army. Cincinnatus was told the news of his
nomination while he was plowing his fields. He immediately returned to Rome, took command of the army, and within
16 days had obliterated the enemy armies. The moment peace was declared he disbanded the army, resigned as
dictator, and returned to his farm. Cincinnatus became a model for early Romans for his willingness to sacrifice for his
city and give up power.
Although ordinary citizens, called plebeians, were expected to fight for Rome, they were excluded from the city’s
government as the patricians had a monopoly on all important offices. In 494 BC the plebeians formed their own council
and began electing their own officials. The patricians, fearful of the city being completely taken over by the plebeians,
decided to change Rome’s government again.
In what ways did Cincinnatus mirror the lives of
Rome’s legendary founders?
What do you think the patricians were worried
about if the plebeians took over?
Early during its history Rome was ruled by kings who constructed the first temples as well
as Rome’s basic infrastructure. The rule of kings came to an end in 509 when Rome’s
nobles overthrew the last king, Tarquin the Proud, due to his many cruelties against the
Roman people. Following Tarquin’s overthrow, Rome’s nobles created a republic. Each
year they elected officials to rule the city although they only served for a single year to
stop them becoming too powerful. During times of emergency the Romans would
appoint dictators – rulers with almost absolute power – to lead the city.
One of Rome’s famous dictators was Cincinnatus, who gained power in 458 BC to defend
Rome against the Aequi and Sabines – two nearby tribes who had just trapped and
destroyed a Roman army. Cincinnatus was told the news of his nomination while he was
plowing his fields. He immediately returned to Rome, took command of the army, and
within 16 days had obliterated the enemy armies. The moment peace was declared he
disbanded the army, resigned as dictator, and returned to his farm. Cincinnatus became
a model for early Romans for his willingness to sacrifice for his city and give up power.
Although ordinary citizens, called plebeians, were expected to fight for Rome, they were
excluded from the city’s government as the patricians had a monopoly on all important
offices. In 494 BC the plebeians formed their own council and began electing their own
officials. The patricians, fearful of the city being completely taken over by the plebeians,
decided to change Rome’s government again.
EARLY ROMAN GOVERNMENT
Early during its history Rome was ruled by kings who constructed the first temples as well as Rome’s basic infrastructure.
The rule of kings came to an end in 509 when Rome’s nobles overthrew the last king, Tarquin the Proud, due to his many
cruelties against the Roman people. Following Tarquin’s overthrow, Rome’s nobles created a republic. Each year they
elected officials to rule the city although they only served for a single year to stop them becoming too powerful. During
times of emergency the Romans would appoint dictators – rulers with almost absolute power – to lead the city.
One of Rome’s famous dictators was Cincinnatus, who gained power in 458 BC to defend Rome against the Aequi and
Sabines – two nearby tribes who had just trapped and destroyed a Roman army. Cincinnatus was told the news of his
nomination while he was plowing his fields. He immediately returned to Rome, took command of the army, and within
16 days had obliterated the enemy armies. The moment peace was declared he disbanded the army, resigned as
dictator, and returned to his farm. Cincinnatus became a model for early Romans for his willingness to sacrifice for his
city and give up power.
Although ordinary citizens, called plebeians, were expected to fight for Rome, they were excluded from the city’s
government as the patricians had a monopoly on all important offices. In 494 BC the plebeians formed their own council
and began electing their own officials. The patricians, fearful of the city being completely taken over by the plebeians,
decided to change Rome’s government again.
In what ways did Cincinnatus mirror the lives of
Rome’s legendary founders?
What do you think the patricians were worried
about if the plebeians took over?
In what ways did Cincinnatus mirror the lives of Rome’s
legendary founders?
EARLY ROMAN GOVERNMENT
Early during its history Rome was ruled by kings who constructed the first temples as well as Rome’s basic infrastructure.
The rule of kings came to an end in 509 when Rome’s nobles overthrew the last king, Tarquin the Proud, due to his many
cruelties against the Roman people. Following Tarquin’s overthrow, Rome’s nobles created a republic. Each year they
elected officials to rule the city although they only served for a single year to stop them becoming too powerful. During
times of emergency the Romans would appoint dictators – rulers with almost absolute power – to lead the city.
One of Rome’s famous dictators was Cincinnatus, who gained power in 458 BC to defend Rome against the Aequi and
Sabines – two nearby tribes who had just trapped and destroyed a Roman army. Cincinnatus was told the news of his
nomination while he was plowing his fields. He immediately returned to Rome, took command of the army, and within
16 days had obliterated the enemy armies. The moment peace was declared he disbanded the army, resigned as
dictator, and returned to his farm. Cincinnatus became a model for early Romans for his willingness to sacrifice for his
city and give up power.
Although ordinary citizens, called plebeians, were expected to fight for Rome, they were excluded from the city’s
government as the patricians had a monopoly on all important offices. In 494 BC the plebeians formed their own council
and began electing their own officials. The patricians, fearful of the city being completely taken over by the plebeians,
decided to change Rome’s government again.
In what ways did Cincinnatus mirror the lives of
Rome’s legendary founders?
What do you think the patricians were worried
about if the plebeians took over?
What do you think the patricians were worried about if the
plebeians took over?
What political tensions existed in the early republic between the rich and poor?
ROMAN GOVERNMENT
In what ways did Rome’s government attempt to balance the
power of its wealthy citizens with that of its commoners?
AGENDA
• Reading : Roman Government
• Notes : Tribunes
• Activity : Government Officials Organizer
• Essential Question : Roman Government
ROMAN GOVERNMENT
To calm the plebeians, the patricians created new
offices that could only be held by Rome’s
common citizens. These offices would protect
the plebeians’ rights and interests. As a result of
these changes Rome created a tripartite system
of government, or a government with three parts.
Each part had its own responsibilities and duties.
The first part of Rome’s government was made up
of elected officials, or magistrates. The two most
powerful magistrates in Rome were called
consuls. The consuls were elected each year to
run the city and lead the army. Two were
selected so that no single person could become
too powerful. Below the consuls were other
magistrates in charge of Rome’s finances, games,
and festivals.
The second part of Rome’s government was the
senate – a council of around 300 wealthy and
powerful citizens who advised the city’s leaders.
Senators held their offices for life. At first most
senators were patricians, but as time passed
many wealthy plebeians became senators as well.
Because magistrates became senators after
completing their terms in office, most didn’t want
to anger the Senate and risk their future jobs.
Romans participated in the government because they felt it was
their civic duty. Citizens were expected to follow the example of
earlier Romans and sacrifice their time, wealth, and even lives for
the good of their city. Wealthy Romans, in particular, were
encouraged to use their own money to build public buildings or
provide food and entertainment for the people.
Early during its history Rome’s laws weren’t written down causing
anger and confusion among the plebeians. In 450 BC these laws
were finally written down on 12 large bronze tablets. These were
then displayed in the Roman Forum. Creating a public law code
was another important step in ensuring the stability of the Roman
Republic.
To calm the plebeians, the patricians created new offices that could only be
held by Rome’s common citizens. These offices would protect the plebeians’
rights and interests. As a result of these changes Rome created a tripartite
system of government, or a government with three parts. Each part had its
own responsibilities and duties.
The first part of Rome’s government was made up of elected officials, or
magistrates. The two most powerful magistrates in Rome were called
consuls. The consuls were elected each year to run the city and lead the
army. Two were selected so that no single person could become too
powerful. Below the consuls were other magistrates in charge of Rome’s
finances, games, and festivals.
The second part of Rome’s government was the senate – a council of around
300 wealthy and powerful citizens who advised the city’s leaders. Senators
held their offices for life. At first most senators were patricians, but as time
passed many wealthy plebeians became senators as well. Because
magistrates became senators after completing their terms in office, most
didn’t want to anger the Senate and risk their future jobs.
ROMAN GOVERNMENT
To calm the plebeians, the patricians created new
offices that could only be held by Rome’s
common citizens. These offices would protect
the plebeians’ rights and interests. As a result of
these changes Rome created a tripartite system
of government, or a government with three parts.
Each part had its own responsibilities and duties.
The first part of Rome’s government was made up
of elected officials, or magistrates. The two most
powerful magistrates in Rome were called
consuls. The consuls were elected each year to
run the city and lead the army. Two were
selected so that no single person could become
too powerful. Below the consuls were other
magistrates in charge of Rome’s finances, games,
and festivals.
The second part of Rome’s government was the
senate – a council of around 300 wealthy and
powerful citizens who advised the city’s leaders.
Senators held their offices for life. At first most
senators were patricians, but as time passed
many wealthy plebeians became senators as well.
Because magistrates became senators after
completing their terms in office, most didn’t want
to anger the Senate and risk their future jobs.
Romans participated in the government because they felt it was
their civic duty. Citizens were expected to follow the example of
earlier Romans and sacrifice their time, wealth, and even lives for
the good of their city. Wealthy Romans, in particular, were
encouraged to use their own money to build public buildings or
provide food and entertainment for the people.
Early during its history Rome’s laws weren’t written down causing
anger and confusion among the plebeians. In 450 BC these laws
were finally written down on 12 large bronze tablets. These were
then displayed in the Roman Forum. Creating a public law code
was another important step in ensuring the stability of the Roman
Republic.
TRIBUNES
The third part of Rome’s government protected the
common people.
Assemblies of plebeians took part in elections for the
magistrates who ran the city.
Plebeians also elected Tribunes who had the ability
to veto, or cancel, the actions of any other official.
These Tribunes were elected for a single year to stop
them getting too powerful.
What qualities do you think people would look for in
a possible tribune?
What was the role of
these people?
In what ways were their
powers limited?
What other things would a city need
people to organize?
MAGISTRATES
What advantage would being
appointed for life give a senator?
SENATORS
What do you think would stop
tribunes from vetoing every law?
TRIBUNES
ROMAN GOVERNMENT
To calm the plebeians, the patricians created new
offices that could only be held by Rome’s
common citizens. These offices would protect
the plebeians’ rights and interests. As a result of
these changes Rome created a tripartite system
of government, or a government with three parts.
Each part had its own responsibilities and duties.
The first part of Rome’s government was made up
of elected officials, or magistrates. The two most
powerful magistrates in Rome were called
consuls. The consuls were elected each year to
run the city and lead the army. Two were
selected so that no single person could become
too powerful. Below the consuls were other
magistrates in charge of Rome’s finances, games,
and festivals.
The second part of Rome’s government was the
senate – a council of around 300 wealthy and
powerful citizens who advised the city’s leaders.
Senators held their offices for life. At first most
senators were patricians, but as time passed
many wealthy plebeians became senators as well.
Because magistrates became senators after
completing their terms in office, most didn’t want
to anger the Senate and risk their future jobs.
Romans participated in the government because they felt it was
their civic duty. Citizens were expected to follow the example of
earlier Romans and sacrifice their time, wealth, and even lives for
the good of their city. Wealthy Romans, in particular, were
encouraged to use their own money to build public buildings or
provide food and entertainment for the people.
Early during its history Rome’s laws weren’t written down causing
anger and confusion among the plebeians. In 450 BC these laws
were finally written down on 12 large bronze tablets. These were
then displayed in the Roman Forum. Creating a public law code
was another important step in ensuring the stability of the Roman
Republic.
Romans participated in the government because they felt
it was their civic duty. Citizens were expected to follow
the example of earlier Romans and sacrifice their time,
wealth, and even lives for the good of their city. Wealthy
Romans, in particular, were encouraged to use their own
money to build public buildings or provide food and
entertainment for the people.
Early during its history Rome’s laws weren’t written down
causing anger and confusion among the plebeians. In 450
BC these laws were finally written down on 12 large
bronze tablets. These were then displayed in the Roman
Forum. Creating a public law code was another important
step in ensuring the stability of the Roman Republic.
THE TWELVE TABLES
Over the next few days you will work with a partner to produce a poster about one of the
twelve tables.
This poster will explain how Roman law worked in a particular area.
Court Procedures
Thefts
Lent Property
Family
Estates
Property
Crimes
Buildings & Land
Public Laws
Religious Laws
Supplemental Laws
STEP 1
Read the laws and try to write a more easily understandable version of it using the worksheet given to you. I have
done the first example for you.
STEP 2
Make a plan for your poster in which you include a typed or written version of the law that you created in step 1.
Create some kind of illustration showing how the law worked or what it said.
STEP 3
You and your partner should create a 5 minute presentation during which both of you speak to explain your poster and
the laws contained on it.
TABLES 11 & 12 – SUPPLEMENTAL LAWS
Law I.
Affairs of great importance shall not be transacted without the vote of the people, with whom rests the power to appoint magistrates, to condemn
citizens, and to enact laws. Laws subsequently passed always take preference over former ones.
Law II.
Those who belong to the Senatorial Order and are styled Fathers, shall not contract marriage with plebeians.
Law III
No one shall render sacred any property with reference to which there is a controversy in court, where issue has already been joined; and if anyone
does render such property sacred, he shall pay double its value as a penalty.
Law IV
If the claim of anyone in whose favor judgment was rendered after the property had been illegally seized, or after possession of the same had been
delivered, is found to be false, the Prætor shall appoint three arbiters, by whose award double the amount of the profits shall be restored by him in
whose favor the judgment was rendered.
Law V
If a slave, with the knowledge of his master, should commit a theft, or cause damage to anyone, his master shall be given up to the other party by way
of reparation for the theft, injury, or damage committed by the slave.
Transacted – Carried out
Condemn – Sentence to death
Render Sacred – Sacrifice
Praetor – Judge
Contract – Enter into
Rendered – Announced/decided
Arbiters – People who decide disputes
Reparation – Compensation.
#
What is this law about?
How would you write this law in a simpler form?
I
How laws are
passed.
Important laws can’t be passed without a vote of the
people. New laws are more important than older
laws.
In what ways did Rome’s government attempt to balance the power of its wealthy citizens
with that of its commoners?