The Roman Republic

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The Roman Republic
Chapter 8 Section 2
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Rome's Government
Early Rome was divided into two
groups PATRICIANS -wealthy landowners who
made up the ruling class PLEBEIANS
-artisans, shopkeepers, and owners of small
farms -both were citizens and could vote -both
paid taxes and served in the army -plebeians had
less social status, could not marry patricians
and could NOT hold public office
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How did Rome's Government Work?
SENATE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH select group of 300
patrician men who served for life. -proposed
laws, debated issues, approved building programs
CONSULS (2) EXECUTIVE BRANCH -top government
officials, 2 patricians elected each
year. -headed the army and ran the govt -could
VETO the others decision
PRAETORS JUDICIAL BRANCH interpreted the laws
and act as judges
Assembly of Centuries patricians who elected
consuls and praetors and passed laws
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Plebeians vs. Patricians
-plebeians upset at the lack of power, went on
strike, refused to serve in the army, and left
the city to start a new republic -patricians
gave in and allowed plebeians to set up the
Council of Plebs let plebeians veto decisions
and voice concerns -eventually plebeians and
patricians were allowed to marry and become
consuls -287 B.C. Council of Plebs could pass
laws now all male citizens are equal, but the
patricians still the wealthiest -women no
voice, still not a full-fledged democracy
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Cincinnatus
An early Roman Dictator
-DICTATOR had temporary control of government
in times of war or emergency -appointed by the
Senate, gave up their power when emergency was
over -Cincinnatus loyal farmer of Rome who was
asked by the Senate to become dictator in time of
war -left his fields to lead the army, returned
to the farm victorious soon after -did not desire
power, but did his duty when asked
Read Page 272
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ROMAN LAW
-the lasting legacy of the Romans today and basis
of our legal system in the USA TWELVE TABLES
laws carved on bronze tablets placed in the Forum
(marketplace) -all free citizens would be
treated equally, but only applied to Roman
citizens LAW OF NATIONS created as Rome
expanded to other territories -innocent
until proven guilty -defend themselves in
court if accused of a crime -rule of
law -FORCED ALL PEOPLE TO FOLLOW SAME RULES
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TWELVE TABLES
Read Page 273
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Rome Expands
-CARTHAGE trading empire in Mediterranean on
coast of N. Africa and S. Europe -dominated the
Mediterranean largest and richest city
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THE PUNIC WARS
1st Punic War lasted 20 years -Carthage and
Rome fought over Sicily -Carthage powerful
navy -Rome - built a large fleet and crushed
Carthage -Carthage forced to leave Sicily and pay
a huge fine
Rome Wins 1st Punic War
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2nd Punic War
-Carthage expands into Spain, upsets
Romans -Rome helps Spaniards rebel against
Carthage -Carthage upset, sent its best general
HANNIBAL to attack Rome -Hannibal gathered HUGE
army and marched toward Rome.
Hannibal
Read about Hannibal on page 275 in your textbook
Rome Wins Again
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2nd Punic War

• Suffered severe losses crossing Alps
• -Romans lose at Cannae, attacks Carthage behind
  Scipio
• -Hannibal returned home, lost to Romans at Zama
• -Carthage loses Spain, navy, and fined
• -Rome now rules western Mediterranean

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The Third Punic War
-146 B.C. Rome burned Carthage down, enslaved
50,000 people -Rome may have even spread salt on
the earth to prevent crops to grow -After Rome
defeated Carthage, also conquered Macedonia,
Greece, and parts of Asia -called the
Mediterranean mare nostrum our sea
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12 Tables for CMS Students

• Create twelve tables describing rules that all
  CMS students should follow
• Athletic Events Transportation
• Lunch Room Field Trips
• Library Classrooms
• Dress Code Assignments
• Tests/Quizzes Hall/Bathrooms
• Electronics PDA