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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?