The Senate In The Roman Republic

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When one thinks of the Roman Republic one usually thinks of the Senate and possibly the positions of consul and dictator but Rome contained many different offices and assemblies with different functions and powers.
The Senate was supposedly created by Romulus who was the mythical first king of Rome who may or may not have existed. (notes) At this point the Senate had very little power and was simply an advisory body of 300 senators. (notes) The senators were referred to as patres (fathers) and made up the patrician class. (notes) In 509 bc the last king of Rome was overthrown by the Senate. The Senate then took responsibility for defending Rome. As a result the senators saw themselves as the true representatives of the Roman people and the defenders of Roman liberty. (notes) The members of the Senate were seen as the true representatives of the Roman people until the breakdown of the census. (notes) In 121 the Senate passed the …show more content…

Both offices were seen as ways to boost ones popularity and standing with the Roman people which would help later when seeking the positions of praetor and consul. (notes) The aedile was in charge of maintaining infrastructure. They were also in charge of festivals, public entertainment, and the marketplace. It was a good way to become popular by arranging elaborate and expensive festivals. (notes) The position of tribune was considered by some conservatives as a very radical political office because it came with the power of veto. (notes) Tribunes could also offer legislation to the plebeian assembly although they were expected by the Senate to consult with them first. (notes) It was not recognized as a legitimate authority until later in the Roman republic. (notes) However, Sulla later passed a law making it impossible for a former tribune to seek higher political office. This was to discourage ambitious and talented politicians from seeking the office of

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