Aim: How did Rome’s government work?

Rome’s Government


Patricians – wealthy landowners and was Rome’s ruling class

Plebeians – artisans, shopkeepers, and small farmers

Roman citizens – right to vote, had to pay taxes, serve in the army, and only patricians can serve in government





Rome’s government and responsibilities

Consuls – top government officials (Patricians)

Headed the army

Ran the government

The power to veto (reject)

Continued

Praetors – to interpret the law and act as judges (handled taxes and public finance).

Senate – lawmaking body, gave advice to the consuls, propose laws, and debate important issues

Assembly of Centuries – elected important officials and they were under the control of the patricians

Continued

Plebeians always complained of having very little power

Office of the dictator – had complete control, ruled only during an emergency, and after the danger they gave up their power