Ancient History Sourcebook:

The Roman Republic: Checks and Balances American System -- based on balance of powers/functions Executive Legislative Judicial President Congress Supreme Court Note: The only legitimate interest is that of the people Roman System -- based on balance of interests Monarchical Aristocratic Democratic 2 Consuls

+ other magistrates Senate Assembly of Tribes Tribune Directed government and army Acted as judges Could issue edicts Acted as chief priest Controlled state budget Could pass laws Approved/rejected laws Decided on War Tribune could veto actions of magistrate Acted as final court Basis of power: possess imperium, the right to rule need for leadership Basis of power: members were richest men in Rome. Basis of power: provided most of the soldiers Limits on power: one year term each could veto Limits on power: could not control army needed majority as soldiers. Limits on power: Could not suggest laws often paid as clients by the elite Source: Chart by Paul Halsall This text is part of the Internet Ancient History Sourcebook. The Sourcebook is a collection of public domain and copy-permitted texts related to medieval and Byzantine history. Unless otherwise indicated the specific electronic form of the document is copyright. Permission is granted for electronic copying, distribution in print form for educational purposes and personal use. No representation is made about texts which are linked off-site, although in most cases these are also public domain. If you do reduplicate the document, indicate the source. No permission is granted for commercial use. See Statement about Copyright and Fair Use See How to Cite these pages in books, term papers, etc. © Paul Halsall, August 2000



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© Site Concept and Design: Paul Halsall created 26 Jan 1996: latest revision 21 January 2020 [Curriculum vitae]