Can I explain how conflict between classes changed Rome’s government?

• The Romans were great at ruling other people.
• Once Rome conquered other people….
– Rome built a permanent military base there
– Rome built roads from Rome to the conquered place
– Conquered people were treated fairly
– Some conquered people became citizens
– Paid Roman taxes and be protected by Roman soldiers
– Conquered people were allowed to manage their own local affairs
• This was called the Roman Confederation

• Roman society was divided into two groups
• Patricians (puh TRIH shuhnz)– ruling class, wealthy landowners, from Rome’s oldest families
• Plebeians (plih BEE uhnz)– not as wealthy, artisans, shopkeepers, small farmers, poor people
• Both patrician and plebeian men were considered citizens who could vote, pay taxes, and serve in the army
• Plebeians didn’t have certain rights – couldn’t marry patrician women, couldn’t hold political office, or lead religious ceremonies.

• Three branches – one made laws, one acted like judges, and one ran the daily affairs of the city
• It had checks and balances, but no separation of powers
• Two consuls ( CAHN suhlz )– administrative leaders, head of the army, served only for one year, each consul could veto the other
• Praetors ( PREE tuhrz ) – judges, interpreted law, could lead the army
• Senate – made laws, 300 patricians, served for life
• Assemblies – elected consuls and praetors, made laws

• Plebeians were upset they had no power in government, so in 494BC they went on strike.
• Plebeians were allowed to create their own
Council of the Plebs.
• The Council elected tribunes, who would voice their concerns to the Roman government, veto laws, and in 287 BC, they could start passing laws for Rome.

• During times of crisis, the consuls could resign, and a dictator would take over.
– Dictator – strong leader who had complete control over
Rome; they would give power back to the government once the crisis was over
• Cincinnatus – a famous dictator, took over Rome for 16 days, created an army, destroyed the enemy, returned to his farm once he won, inspired people like George Washington.
• Civic duty – citizens have a responsibility to help their country/government

• Roman law has influenced many other legal systems, like the United States' legal system.
• Roman law had to be written down for everyone to read.
• Twelve Tables – Rome’s main laws, carved into bronze tablets and displayed in the marketplace
• Every citizen was treated equally by the law.
• Law of Nations – rules for conquered people, applied to everyone else in the Roman empire
• Rule of law – law applies to everyone equally, legal system treats everyone the same way