Roman Republic
Notes and Essay Instructions
The Roman Republic can in many ways be considered the
most successful civilization of its time. It truly did do amazing
things. But it only lasted 400 years before it collapsed and
many people didn’t want to have anything to do with it
anymore. Often in societies we discover that the very things
that lead us to be successful, create problems over time that
then cause you to collapse. For instance, Rome gives all of its
citizens the right to vote. But, then they used that power to
vote to allow a person to take all the power.
Over the next several classes you will do research to find out how the Roman Republic used their government and
military to make them very successful only to have those same things cause their downfall.
THE NOTES
Your first grade will be a note taking grade. On the next several pages you will find a template to help you organize
your research. I have already filled in the topic and main ideas of the reading packet for you. Your job will be to
organize the details into “good for Rome” and “bad for Rome” categories. You will also be able to add material
from the video to your notes by adding it to your reading notes in the most appropriate spots.
THE ESSAY
Once we are finished with the notes, you will write an on demand essay that answers the thesis question:
HOW DID THE SUCCESSES OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC LEAD TO ITS DOWNFALL?
In this essay you should have an introduction that provides me with context to the problem, and a thesis
statement that answers the thesis question. Then you should have a minimum of three body paragraphs. Each
body paragraph should discuss an example of something that Rome did that was supposed to be a good thing, but
then it ended up causing them problems. Lastly you should have a conclusion that connects this idea to our world.
You will receive 2 grades for this essay. The first will be a writing grade for your purpose, organization and voice.
The second will be a Historical literacy grade, for the amount and accuracy of detail and understanding you are
able to share about the Roman Republic.