introduction:
The Roman Republic is considered one of the most important political systems in ancient history, as it was established in the fifth century BC after the Romans overthrew the Etruscan kings, and adopted a republican system of government. Over time, these systems evolved and changed, and witnessed transformations that eventually led to the fall of the Republic and the emergence of the Roman Empire. In this paper, we will look at the conditions that led to the creation of the Roman Republic, the elements that democratized it, and those that called into question its democratic nature.
Circumstances that led to the establishment of the Roman Republic
First of all, it should be noted that the Roman Republic was not intended to be a
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In 509 BC, the Romans overthrew the last king of Rome and declared the Republic. This step was a result of the people's desire to get rid of autocratic rule and establish a system based on the principles of democracy and balance. As for the social and class differences, there were great differences between the social classes in Rome. The Patricians (the aristocracy) controlled the political and economic institutions and enjoyed great advantages, while the Libyan people (the working and poor class) suffered from a lack of rights and …show more content…
The democratic institutions of the republic, though found in the constitution, were in fact tools for the wealthy aristocracy to maintain power. The people were completely incapable of exercising the powers conferred upon them by the Constitution, as they had little influence in the process of making laws and electing leaders. In addition, the Romanian people suffered from great social and economic inequalities and a lack of freedom of expression and initiative.
Moreover, in the matter of war and peace, power rested largely with senators and consuls rather than with popular assemblies. Decisions on war and peace were made by senators and consuls, and the people were mostly passive observers. Thus, the Roman Republic, despite the apparent democratic elements of its constitution, was dominated by a wealthy aristocracy and controlled all aspects of government, making it distinctly