Structure of the Government 509BC
2 Consuls
Head of Government |
Senate (300 members)
|
Assembly
|
PATRICIANS
|
PATRICIANS
|
PLEBEIANS
|
1 year term
|
Life term
| |
Consuls chose the Senators
|
Elected the 2 Consuls
| |
Ran the government, overseeing the work of other government officials.
|
Advised the consuls. Advised the Assembly.
|
Elected government officials including judges.
|
Directed (commanded) the army
|
Directed spending, including tax dollars
| |
Acted as judges
|
Approved or disapproved laws made by the Assembly
|
Voted on laws suggested by government officials
|
In an emergency, consuls could choose a dictator – a single ruler to make quick decisions.
|
Made decisions concerning relationships with foreign powers
|
Declared war or peace
|
Both consuls had to agree on their decisions. Each had the power to Veto the other. In Latin, veto means “I forbid.”
|
http://rome.mrdonn.org/senate.html
|
