Lesson 8.2 “The Roman Republic”

Rome’s Government

What were the 2 social classes in ancient Rome?

Patricians and Plebeians

Which social class consisted of Rome’s wealthy landowners?

patricians

What groups of peoples made up the plebeian

social class?

Artisans, shopkeepers and farmers

Name 2 responsibilities that all Roman citizens had.

1. to pay taxes2. to serve in the army

Which social class had less social status?

plebeians

Which social class was allowed to hold public

office?

patricians

Were plebeian and patricians men both allowed to be

citizens?

yes

What is a tripartite?

The 3 part government that Rome had

What were the names of the two twin brothers who

legend says founded Rome?

Romulus and Remus

What is the purpose of “checks and balances” in

Roman government?

To make sure no one part of the government got too strong

Who were the top government officials in the

Roman Republic?

consuls

What were the 2 main responsibilities of the

consuls?

1. They ran the government2. They headed the army

What were consuls allowed to do if they disagreed with another consul’s decision?

They could veto it

How long was a term of a consul (how long were

they in office?)

2 years

What were the main responsibilities of praetors

in Rome?

To interpret the law and act as judges in court

What is the main job of the “legislative” part of the Roman government?

To make laws

What two groups made up the lawmaking body of government in Rome?

The Senate and the Assembly of Centuries

Members of which social class belonged in the

Senate in ancient Rome?

patricians

Why were plebeians upset with the Roman Republic?

They wanted to have more equal rights with the

patricians

What actions did the plebeians take to try to get

equal rights?

They went on strike; they refused to serve in the army.

How did life change for plebeians after their revolt?

1. They were allowed to set up their own body of representatives 2. They were allowed to marry patricians3. They were allowed to become consuls

What term was used to describe Roman leaders who were given

complete control during times of emergency?

dictator

Who is the best known early Roman dictator?

Cincinnatus

What was Cincinnatus’ job before he became a

dictator?

He was a farmer

Approximately how long was Cincinnatus dictator of

Rome?

About 16 days

What term is used to refer to the idea that citizens have a responsibility to help their own country?

Civic duty

What was a Roman victory parade called?

A triumph

What was Rome’s first code of laws called?

The Twelve Tables

How were the Twelve Tables different than

earlier laws in Rome?

Earlier laws were not written down.

Rome Expands

Who was Rome’s main enemy in the Mediterranean?

Carthage

What early civilization founded Carthage?

The Phoenicians

What was the main occupation of the

Phoenicians?

They were sea traders

How did the people of Carthage get rich?

By trading

What caused the First Punic War?

Carthage and Rome both wanted to control Sicily

What major change was made to the Roman military during

the First Punic War?

They formed a navy to fight Carthage, which was a sea power

Who won the First Punic War?

Rome

What were the results of the First Punic War?

1. Carthage had to leave Sicily2. Carthage had to pay a huge

fine to the Romans3. Sicily came under Roman

rule

Where did Carthage try to expand to after their loss in

Sicily?

Spain

What caused the Second Punic War?

Carthage tried to expand their empire into Spain and Rome

didn’t want Carthage that close to their border.

Who won the Second Punic War?

Rome

What were the results of the Second Punic War?

-Carthage gave up Spain to Rome-Carthage gave up its navy-Carthage paid a large fine

What was Carthage’s only strength left after the Second Punic War?

It was still a major trading center

Who won the Third Punic War?

Rome

What were the results of the Third Punic War?

Carthage became aRoman province