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Patrician Influence On Roman Government

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The Roman government developed as it did because of the patricians, being put into a position of power due to their wealth, while the plebians and noncitizens could give close to no input on what could and could not happen in their republic. The patricians forced the idea upon the government that only their ideas and opinions mattered, which is how they were able to become so powerful in the Roman government. An example of this can be found in a speech from a Roman senator, in which he states, “let not the wary opinions of the common people deter you in what is best for Rome. It is we (the patricians) that have the power… we are the only ones truly qualified,” (Maganamus 1). This shows the haughtiness of the upper class because the senator, …show more content…

Along with this, the excerpt shows how these conceited men saw the less wealthy people with a prejudiced view, assuming that not being rich was equivalent to being unwise. Another instance in which the patrician’s supremacy is clearly displayed is in a letter to the Senate talking about changing rules of citizenship, saying “fear not the changes being proposed to increase citizenship as it will have no bearing on your power or status… I assure you this will not negatively impact any of us and will keep our role as primary lawmakers intact,” (Flavius 1). This demonstrates the patrician concern of their authority over the plebians, as the letter is obviously trying to reassure the readers the patrician position in government is secure. Along with this, it is shown in the excerpt in the simplest of terms that only the patricians are in charge of the government. Lastly, a third example of the privileges given to the patricians versus those given to the plebian is shown in a memoir of a Roman Centuriate, in which it is said, “ I too hope one day to be able to serve proudly as a Consul, but know I am many years away from requirements needed. For now I will continue my

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Although, there were a set of laws for all citizens had to follow, this including the patricians, they always seemed to benefit the higher up class of people. These laws were actually never written down either but instead handed down from patrician to patrician. This made and helped them adjust certain laws when needed to stay in control and continue to stay extremely wealthy. For the lower class of people, the plebeian citizens continued to only become poorer and in more debt to the patricians. Plebeian citizens of Rome were the lowest class.

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