HASS7 Ancient Rome: society and government: Government of Ancient Rome

Consuls - At the top of the Roman Republic was the consul. The consul was a very powerful position. In order to keep the consul from becoming a king or dictator, there were always two consuls elected and they only served for one year. Also, the consuls could veto each other if they didn't agree on something. The consuls had a wide range of powers; they decided when to go to war, how much taxes to collect, and what the laws were.

Senators - The Senate was a group of prestigious leaders who advised the consuls. The consuls usually did what the Senate recommended. Senators were selected for life.

Plebeian Council - The Plebeian Council was also called the Peoples Assembly. This was how the common people, plebeians, could elect their own leaders, magistrates, pass laws, and hold court.

Tribunes - Tribunes were the representatives of the Plebeian Council. They could veto laws made by the Senate. 

Governors - As Rome conquered new lands, they needed someone to be the local ruler. The Senate would appoint a governor to rule the land or province. The governor would be in charge of the local Roman army and would also be responsible to collect taxes. Governors were also called proconsuls.

Aedile - An Aedile was a city official who was responsible for the maintenance of public buildings as well as public festivals. Many politicians who wanted to be elected to a higher office, like consul, would become aedile so they could hold big public festivals and gain popularity with the people.

Censor - The Censor counted the citizens and kept track of the census. They also had some responsibilities to maintain public morality and to look after public finances. The Constitution The Roman Republic did not have a precise written constitution. The constitution was more of a set of guidelines and principals that were passed down from generation to generation. It provided for separate branches of government and balances of power.

Source: Ducksters, URL: ducksters.com/history/ancient_rome_republic.php

Source: ABC Education, 2007, Duration 6:57, URL: https://education.abc.net.au/web/splash#!/media/104892/

Image source: BBC History Revealed, URL: https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/7/2020/08/HRM_085_p028-033_RomeRepublic11chF1-1-1-3f0a963.jpg?quality=45&resize=2255,2152