The Roman Republic509 – 27 B.C.E.

Basics of the Republic

• Began with the overthrow of the Roman Monarchy in 509 B.C.E.

• Republic – citizens elected representatives• Patrician = aristocracy/wealthy• Plebeians = common people

Outline of the Political System

• Unwritten constitution that developed over time

• Parts of government:– Senate– Consuls– Assembly

The Roman Senate

• Highest political power• Passed decrees• Consisted of the

patrician class• No official power but in

charge of major affairs

The Consuls

• Highest position in the Senate

• Elected to 1 year terms• 2 in office and could

veto each other• During crisis, one

became a dictator– Ex: Julius Caesar

Roman Assembly

• Lower governing body than the Senate

• Consisted of the lower class

• Presided over by Tribunes

• *Less political power

The Twelve Tables

• *Earliest attempt to create a code of law

• Made up of most important laws

• Stated citizens were equal under the law

TABLE I Procedure: for courts and trials

TABLE II Trials, continued.

TABLE III Debt

TABLE IV Rights of fathers (paterfamilias) over the family

TABLE V Legal guardianship and inheritance laws

TABLE VI Acquisition and possession

TABLE VII Land rights

TABLE VIII Torts and delicts (Laws of injury)

TABLE IX Public law

TABLE X Sacred law

TABLE XI Supplement I

TABLE XII Supplement II

Bibliography

• "Roman Republic." Ancient History Encyclopedia. 28 Apr. 2011. Web. 16 Sept. 2015.

• "The Roman Republic." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association. Web. 16 Sept. 2015.

• Adams, John. "THE TWELVE TABLES." THE TWELVE TABLES. 10 June 2009. Web. 16 Sept. 2015.