Government of the Roman
Republic
Executive
1
Two consuls elected to one-year term. Led the
government and controlled the army. One consul could
veto, or reject, a decision made by the other consul.
Legislative
2
Senate: Not elected; selected by the consuls to serve
for life. Made the laws and advised consuls. Assembly:
Made up of plebeians as representatives. Elected
tribunes. Made the laws and selected consuls.
Judicial
3
Eight judges. Governed provinces. Served for one year.
Oversaw the lower courts.
Legal Code
4
Twelve Tables. Established rights and responsibilities
of Roman citizens.
The Roman Way
Self-Control
1
Citizens valued personal discipline
Loyalty to Rome
Patriotism united all citizens
Hard Work
4
2
Romans believed in diligence
Duty
3
Fulfilling responsibilities was
essential
Citizens of Rome believed in values that were known as the Roman Way. These values included showing self-control,
working hard, doing one's duty, and pledging loyalty to Rome. The Roman Way helped to unite all Roman citizens.
The Romans applied these values as the Republic began to conquer new lands and expand. During the second century
B.C., Rome defeated the empire of Carthage in northern Africa. By 100 B.C., Rome controlled most of the lands around the
Mediterranean. About this time, tensions began to grow between patricians and plebeians. These tensions triggered a war
between the two groups. The war set the stage for the end of the Roman Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire.
Before You Move On
1
Summarize
2
Interpret Charts
What structures, laws,
According to the chart,
and values made up the
members of the Senate
government of the Roman
were selected by the
Republic?
consuls. However, the
assembly elected the
consuls. In what way did
this arrangement help to
control the Senate's
power?
3
Turn and Talk
Study the chart and consider what you know about the U.S.
government. Then, with a partner, compare and contrast the
two systems of government.