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The Key Features And Structure Of The Roman Republic

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The Roman Republic, a political system that endured for centuries, played a pivotal role in shaping Western civilization, By analyzing its key features and structures. The Roman Republic emerged in 509 BCE following the overthrow of the Etruscan monarchy (Ancient History Encyclopedia). According to historian John North, "the establishment of the Roman Republic marked a fundamental shift in governance, laying the groundwork for a system that prioritized the collective interests of its citizens" (North 45). This transition from monarchy to republic demonstrated the Romans' commitment to avoiding concentrated power.

Key to the functioning of the Roman Republic were its system of checks and balances. The consuls, elected annually, held executive power but were kept in check by their ability to veto each other's decisions (Cartwright 32). As stated by historian Andrew Rawson, this system "prevented any one individual from becoming too powerful and allowed for the collective exercise of political authority" (Rawson 73). The role of the Senate was also critical in providing advice and oversight to the consuls, ensuring the preservation of the republic's interests (Wiseman 99). …show more content…

Through various assemblies, such as the Centuriate Assembly and the Tribal Assembly, citizens were able to vote on legislation, elect magistrates, and engage in public debates (Cavenaile 67). Notably, the right to participate in politics was not limited to a privileged few. Historian Mary Beard emphasizes that "the Roman Republic significantly expanded the number of citizens who could enjoy political rights, resulting in a highly engaged citizen body" (Beard

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The Roman Republic's system allowed every adult male citizen including free slaves to have a vote without any formal exclusion of the poor. Voting took place within subgroups known as Tribal or Century Assemblies where the majority vote won. The power of the citizen as a voter was divided into three categories: acting as criminal courts and participating in elections conducted by the Century or Tribal Assemblies and legislating. Only a limited group of elected annual magistrates could propose laws before the people in the assemblies. The Tribal Assembly served as the primary assembly for the passage of laws.

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(Document F) As stated in and reflected in a fresco of the Roman Senate by artist Macari (Document F), the Senate had responsibilities and rights, among others, to control war, make foreign alliances, as well as control of public lands among others. While the Greeks may have had more equal representation, it was only through a quorum that they could conduct business (Document E). Athens also ostracized people who became powerful and were seen as a threat, and it was difficult to fulfill their responsibilities of citizenship (Document

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As stated by Polybius in Document A, The Assembly held most power when it came to voting. They had the final say during the passing or denying of laws, which was said by Millar (Document B). However, Millar also states that the Assemblies did not get to choose who or what they voted on. This could be used to support the idea that the Roman Republic truly was a republic. Regardless of that, the fact that the Assembly held so much power was still a reason to believe it was a democracy.

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The Roman Republic Had a one year term limit for magistrates and consuls. Tribunes also had a one year term limit.

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By this time, it took more effort to vote since people were coming from all over to vote. Rome started to add limits, “How easily a small number of urban residents registered in a rural tribe could determine the vote of that tribe is clear from the small percentage of citizens who actually voted.” (Document C) This shows how little the number of people voted that were actually Roman citizens. The Roman Republic started to become an aristocracy whenever a lot more of the wealthy people came into power.

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Polybius believed that this system of checks and balances made the Roman constitution one of the most stable and long-lasting forms of government in the ancient world. According to Polybius, the Roman monarchy provided stability, while the aristocracy represented the interests of the rich and influential classes, and the people's assembly (the democracy) supplied a voice for the ordinary people. He believed that the mix of these three elements

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The most important officials were the consuls, who served as chief executives of the government. They were elected every year by an assembly of citizens. The Roman Empire, on the other hand, was ruled by an emperor who had absolute power over the state. Another key difference

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The Roman Republic government contributed to the development of the democratic principles because the romans developed and its government eventually dividing into three branches. The Roman Republic had three main groups, patricians, Magistrates/Consuls Censors/praetors. The three main groups were like the democratic principle separation of powers. The Roman Republic had its “Rule of Law”, but the Romans called it the Twelve Tables. The democratic principle Representative government was also in the Roman Republic government, but was differently portrayed.

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These features are still present in the American government today. The comitia centuriata (Centuriate Assembly) and the comitia tributa were among the most significant democratic institutions in Republican Rome (Tribal Assembly). Citizens may vote on laws in these assemblies and choose representatives to rule on their behalf. In addition, the Roman Republic maintained a system of checks and balances that aimed to strike a balance between the aristocrats (elite), the middle class, or the magistrates. This arrangement made guaranteed no one faction held excessive power.

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The Roman Republic was upheld by a republican constitution and, similar to the Athenian government, gave more power to the citizens in the decision making process. The Roman Republic constitution on the other hand also valued the rule of law and implemented checks and balances to prevent one single person or class from taking control of the republic. The republican constitution had a significant impact on the creation, maintenance, and success of the Roman Empire. By implementing the importance of the rule of law, the Roman Republic was able to create the groundwork for a successful republic to ensure that political leaders were going to be held accountable. They created the Senate which established a representative government to debate on

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The consuls were responsible for many of the functions kings of previous had, with the caveat that they had checks on their power, as there were two consuls rather than one, and they could be removed from their position if need be. Another aspect of the Roman republic that made it democratic was the existence of the Assembly of Tribes. These were officials voted for by the general population of Rome. They had the ability to vote on laws that would affect the population and had a vote on whether Rome would go to war or not (Democracy, 2021). Given the fact that Roman citizens had the right to vote on issues that affected everyday life could be seen as the most democratic aspect of the Roman republic, although there were some caveats on who had the right to vote.

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The composition and the governing structure of the Roman republic was not uniform throughout its existence, but some of the fundamental elements of its government came into being in the immediate aftermath of the monarchy’s collapse. Therefore, it is unsurprising that many of these institutions were created in reaction to the monarchy and its failures, and thus were shaped by this relationship. For example, the fundamental opposition to monarchy and the rule of kings that came with the experience of the Kingdom of Rome, remained quite strong in the Roman mindset throughout the existence of the Republic and into the beginnings of the Roman Empire, and its influence can be seen throughout Roman political discourse especially in the discussion

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The ancient roman republic stated to decline in 75 B.C. Rome became victim to many civil wars and its government was undecided. Along with these problems slaves were also starting to rebel. For all of this chaos came Julius Ceasar who was at the time a military commander. He eventually becomes dictator and makes some vary important decisions for Rome.

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Thomas Jefferson “To the Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation” In Thomas Jefferson’s speech to the Chiefs of the Cherokee Nation he talks about how he is proud of the Cherokee’s for learning new things such as farming and focusing on new jobs other than war. The occasion of this speech to the Cherokee Nation is in 1806 after a visit the Cherokee’s had to see Thomas Jefferson. This is at a time when Thomas Jefferson is trying to bring peace to America; peace between the Cherokees, Americans, and other tribes. At the time the Indians and Cherokees had been attacking one another.

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The General Assembly and Senate established a sense of importance in Rome. The General Assembly was made up of Plebeians, and the Senate consists of Patricians. The terms General Assembly and Senate are two of many terms still used in the US Government today. The Romans were led by a king who was approved by the senate and a vote of the people, which is also displayed in the US Government. This is displayed in our presidential elections.

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