Roman citizens were divided into two class: Patrician and Plebeian The Republic.
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Transcript of Roman citizens were divided into two class: Patrician and Plebeian The Republic.
Nobles who owned large estates and were
descended from the founders of the city. They were the ones who could hold public office or perform certain religious rituals.
Patricians
Ordinary peasants, farmers and craftsmen.
They paid taxes and served in the army. They could not marry patricians or hold office. If they fell into debt, they could be sold into slavery.
Plebeians
Both the Patricians and the Plebeians met in
the assembly. Here they elected or appointed 3 different
groups of officials.
The Citizens of Rome
The consuls governed the city They were elected for one year only and could not be elected
again until 10 years had passed. They were both administrators and military leaders They had the power to veto any law. 2 members, to prevent any one from becoming king or dictator They decided when to go to war, what taxes to collect, and what
the laws were. They both had to agree before a decision could be made.
One of their most important responsibilities was to control the army.
Consuls
Made up of 300 men, who were chosen for life. They advised the consuls, and handled the daily
problems of government. They discussed ways to deal with other countries. Proposed laws and approved public contracts for
building roads and temples. The Senate became very important and ended up
controlling Rome. At first they consisted of only patricians, but
eventually plebeians joined as well.
Senate
Also called prefects The prefect was an official who was appointed by a magistrate, for a fixed period and a special task Protected the rights of the plebeians.
JudgesPontius Pilate was the Roman prefect (governor) of Judea, a sub-province of Syria, who ordered the crucifixion of Jesus.
Elected officials, appointed to be judges Looked after city finances. (The money of
Rome)
Magistrates
All Roman citizens belong to the assembly Included all members of the military Voted on Senate decisions to go to war Approved or rejected laws. Rich people got more votes than poor people.
The Assembly
Spoke for the poor Were appointed to protect the ordinary people
against unfair treatment. They could not veto military decisions.
Tribunes
Until about 450 B.C. Roman laws were not
written down. In that year laws were carved on twelve
bronze tablets known as the Twelve Tables. These laws applied to both patricians and
plebeians. Most were about wills, property rights, and
court actions. They became the foundation for all future
Roman laws.
The Twelve Tables