Republican Government in Ancient Rome Quiz

Answer: Consul

The story goes that Romulus established a monarchy in Rome in approximately 753 BC. After being ruled by seven (legendary) kings, and enduring a particularly repressive reign by an Etruscan king, the monarchy was overthrown in 509 BC, and a new Republican form of government was formed. Taking the place of the king was the office of consul. Each consul possessed "imperium", or absolute power, however, if there was disagreement regarding edicts, each had the power to veto the other. During times of peace, the consuls rotated in office possessing the "imperium" each month, and during times of war, every day. Two consuls were chosen every year; a person could be consul more than once.

For example, Julius Caesar was chosen as consul first in 59 BC, but held the office four more times after that.

Answer: Tribune

In the early days of the Republic, there were two social classes - patricians and plebeians. The patricians were generally wealthy, but their real status came from the fact that they could trace their descent from one of Romulus' original men, who belonged to "gens" or tribes that he had recognized. Because they had no recognized tribe, plebeians could not serve in the military or hold political office. Over time, however, the patricians found they could not exclude the majority of the population from service and have a successful government.

A tribune did not have "imperium", but his role as defender of the plebeians was so important that anyone who harmed a tribune was declared an outlaw and his home was an inviolable sanctuary.

Answer: Senate

When it was first formed, the Senate was comprised of 100 members chosen from patrician families. The Senate was responsible for the administration of laws and decrees passed by consuls; they also received foreign ambassadors and made treaties and alliances. Members of the Senate, who served for life, were first appointed by consuls, and later by censors.

Although the size varied, it appears that there were only 100-200 active members at any given time.

Answer: Censor

Two censors were selected; they had the important job of assigning citizens to the gens, which made them eligible - or not - for service in the government. While the censor could assist in the appointment of new senators, he could also expel those who, by their actions, were deemed to be unworthy of holding the office. Censors did not have "imperium", but the combined responsibilities of their office did carry a certain amount of clout.

Answer: Comitia Centuriata

The Comitia Centuriata had already been in existence before the overthrow of the Roman monarchy. Five classes of soldiers (based on their ability to bring armor, horse, and weapons into military service) were established, however, because the wealthy could provide more potential to the army, they had more power in the Comitia Centuriata.

There were 80 centuries, or groups, of 100 men who voted as a block, serving as a court of appeals, and eventually, even enacting legislation of their own.

Answer: Praetor

Assisting the consuls as a judge, the praetor possessed "imperium" to a lesser degree. If the consuls were both absent from Rome, the praetor could take charge of the city, and could even, if there was an emergency, take control of the army. This was an office that was expanded as Rome grew, and there came to be praetors who gave justice to foreigners, as well as those who heard cases involving citizens.

Answer: Concilium Plebis

The early organization of the Republican form of government did not distribute power evenly among the two social classes - the patricians and plebeians. Plebeian soldiers went on strike in 494 BC, (according to the legend), and said they would form a new city if they were not given political rights. Pompous as the members of the Senate were, they realized that Rome stood to lose a lot if the plebeians left, and the plebeians were allowed to form an assembly of their own.

Initially their decrees were only binding on plebeians. Finally, with the passage of the Hortensian Law in 287 BC, laws passed in the Concilius Plebis became binding on all Roman citizens.

Answer: Dictator

The Romans realized that there might be situations in which having two consuls that both have the power of veto might be - well, inconvenient? Bad for the nation? In times of grave emergency - for example, when Rome was under attack, a dictator, who had "imperium" would be appointed for a term of six months. Believe it or not, this position was so much like a king that no one was really interested in receiving the appointment.

When the neighboring Aequi broke their treaty with Rome, the legendary Cincinnatus reluctantly agreed to his first appointment. Plowing his field when he received the news, he put his toga on, went to Rome, gave orders, and within fifteen days he had ended the crisis, punished the perpetrators of the rebellion, and was back at his home - farming.

The second time he received the appointment, Cincinnatus completed his assignment after twenty-one days. A dedicated Roman citizen, he took the power when necessary, but didn't keep it any longer than necessary.

Answer: Aedile

Young men who wanted to hold high public office during the Republic were expected to prepare themselves well. In fact, there was a prescribed order of offices: it was suggested to hold the office of quaestor (30 years old), aedille, and then praetor (39 years old) before becoming eligible for the office of consul. For the office of praetor, however, it was not mandatory to be an aedille first - only recommended.

The office was a great way to become known - especially if your festivals and games were especially fun; it was a good way to become well known and liked! Julius Caesar used his own personal money to stage the games the Romans loved so well!

Answer: Pontifex Maximus

A very ancient office, during the monarchy the Poontifex Maximus even advised the Rex. The Pontifex Maximus was the most important religious office that could be held during the Roman Republic. Whereas the king had performed the sacred rites, during the Republic the Pontifex Maximus did; in all reality, however, the office probably held more personal prestige than political.

His main duty was to uphold the "peace of the gods"; in addition, the consecration of temples and enforcement of public morality were among his other responsibilities.