the roman republic
TRANSCRIPT
Complete the activity titled:
“What’s the Reason?”
Rome began as a small city state in Italy but then ended up ruling the entire Mediterranean world
Romans established traditions of government that continue to influence the modern world
Established a republic “Thing of the People” around 509BC where people were allowed to elect their own leaders
Thought it would prevent an individual from gaining too much power
The people of Rome were actively involved in their government. They took pride and responsibility in participation in the government .
Legislative Branch
SenateTribal Assembly
SEPARATION OF POWERS
Executive BranchElected Officials
Judicial Branch
JurisprudenceProfessional Jurors
Roman government differed from Athens in that it was not direct but based on representation, with voters electing their officials. (US govt today is a republic)
Another characteristic was the high regard for Roman law.
In 451 the Twelve Tables were brought into existence. These tables assured all citizens had a right to protection of the law.
Complete the Twelve Tables Activity in Your
Notebook
Rome’s armies were so powerful that they controlled all the Italian peninsula and then began to build around the Mediterranean Sea
These conquests brought many riches to Rome
These expansions led to frustration in Roman society because their army was made of loyal Roman citizens who fought without pay and supplied their own weapons yet they gained little from Rome’s success.
Soon Rome was involved in a series of civil wars about who should hold power
A military commander who forced his way into Rome and became a dictator
Fearful of his political ambition the Senate ordered him to stop his conquests however he refused
ReformsLaunched a program of public works to
employ the jobless and gave public land to the poor
His enemies were jealous of his power and worried that he might try to become King and stabbed him to death
His grand nephew Augustus Caeser became the new leader
Laid the foundation for a stable government
Created an efficient, well trained civil service to enforce the laws
Opened high level jobs to men of talent regardless of their class
Time period known as Pax Romana because of the peace, order, unity and prosperity
Greatest legacy was the establishment of justice through the law
Law of NationsRome’s expansion created a problem
and they created a system of laws that would apply to all people and cultures based on the laws of nature
Basic principles were established such as:Innocent until proven guiltyGuilt was established through
evidenceJudges interpreted laws and were
expected to make fair decisionsPeople should be punished for
actions, not thoughts
Justinian ruled after Augustus Caesar
He is best remembered for his reform of the Roman law code
He revised and organized all the laws of ancient Rome
It had an impact far beyond Rome and reached Western Europe where the church and monarchs based their laws on its principles
ThenDeveloped a system of laws that apply to every citizenWritten LawsGovernment based on laws
NowGovernment where citizens elect leadersEveryone is equal under the lawConstitution and bill of rightsRule of law