From Republic to Empire: Did Augustus Save or Ruin the Republic?

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Philosopher A: Augustus saved the republic.

Philosopher B: Saved it? He turned it into an empire! Augustus ruined the republic.

Philosopher A: In the Republic, the Senate was the primary branch of the Roman government and held the majority of the political power. It controlled funds, administration and foreign policy, and had significant influence of the everyday life of the Roman people. When Augustus came to power, he kept the Senate and they retained their legal position. The Emperor’s rule was legitimized by the senate as he needed the senators experience to serve as administrators, diplomats and generals. Although technically the most authoritative individual in Rome, Augustus strived to embody Republican values. He wanted to relate and connect to all parts of society including Plebeians. Through generosity and less extravagance, Augustus achieved a connection with the common people.

Philosopher B: After the fall of the Roman Republic in 27BC, the fundamental power shifted from the Senate to Augustus, the Emperor. However, Augustus knew that to keep the favour of the Roman people, he needed to keep up the façade of the Senate holding political power. Despite this, the Senate held no actual political power, although individuals still sought membership of the senate for dignitas and social status. During the reigns of the first Emperors, legislative, judicial, and electoral powers were all transferred from the Roman assemblies to the Senate. However, since the Senate was filled with individuals whom Augustus approved of, it acted only as a vehicle through which the Emperor exercised his autocratic powers.
In the Empire, the Emperor had complete jurisdiction over all policies and decisions. In the beginnings of the empire, h...

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...gustus. (n.d.). The Internet Classics Archive | The Deeds of the Divine Augustus by Augustus. Retrieved March 28, 2014, from http://classics.mit.edu/Augustus/deeds.html
The Senate - Ancient Rome for Kids. (n.d.). The Senate - Ancient Rome for Kids. Retrieved March 25, 2014, from http://rome.mrdonn.org/senate.html
The Timeline of the Life of Octavian, Caesar Augustus. (n.d.). The Timeline of the Life of Octavian, Caesar Augustus. Retrieved March 27, 2014, from http://applet-magic.com/caesaraugustus.htm
 Virgil:Aeneid VI. (n.d.). Virgil:Aeneid VI. Retrieved March 27, 2014, from http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Latin/VirgilAeneidVI.htm#_Toc2242941 • The Official Truth – Propoganda in the Roman Empire . (n.d.). BBC News. Retrieved March 28, 2014, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/romanpropaganda_article_01.shtml

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