1. WARM-UP
C1
The period called the “Struggle of the
Orders” is when the patricians and plebeians
fought over political rights. Describe why
the plebeians were upset, and how they
were able to make change happen in the
republic.

2. Politics
Before the Republic
What type of government did Rome
have before the Republic?
Why did the Romans get rid of their
king?
• Before Rome was a
republic they had a
monarchy.
• Rome’s kings were elected,
but King Tarquinius (an
Etruscan) became a tyrant.
He was cruel when he tried
to force people to accept a
Tarquin dynasty.
• The people of Rome kicked
the king out of the city.

3. Politics
Creating the Republic
What is the purpose of Checks and
Balances?
• Without a king, the Romans
began to create a new
government called the
Republic.
• Never again did they want to
allow a single man to have
too much power, so they
created a government with
Checks and Balances.

4. Politics
The Republic
What kind of democracy is a
republic?
What does the “rule of law” mean?
• The republic was
representative, an indirect
democracy.
• A main idea of the republic
was the “rule of law” and not
the rule of a single man.
Everyone must follow the
law.

5. Politics
The Republic
What was the most important law
making body of the republic?
• The senate was created to
represent the aristocrats or
patricians of Rome.
• The senate was the most
important lawmaking body in
the Republic.
• The senate was composed
of 300 men who served for
life. They were voted for by
patricians and plebeians.

6. Politics
The Republic
Who did the tribunes represent?
What function did the consuls
perform?
How could the consuls “check and
balance” each other?
• Tribunes were chosen to
represent the plebeians and
veto government actions.
• The highest position in the
republic was the consul.
• The consuls led the army
and ran the government.
• 2 Consuls were elected for
1 year terms, and they could
veto each other.

7. Politics
• In times of emergency, the
The Republic
senate could choose a single
When did Rome choose a dictator? man who would assume
nearly absolute control over
all of Rome. Such a person
was called a dictator, and
they could only “serve” Rome
How long could a dictator remain in
for 6 months.
power?
• Cincinnatus was a famous
dictator of Rome for giving up
his power before his 6 months
were up.

8. Politics
The Republic’s Impact
How did the Roman Republic
influence the development of the
U.S.A.?
• Rome’s republic would
eventually come to an end,
but it’s legacy has continued
to inspire.
• The constitution of the
United States was modeled
after many Roman ideas;
1. Check and Balances
2. Representation: Senate
3. Veto powers
4. Rule of Law; and more.

9. Choose 6 of the 12
1. What type of government did Rome have before the Republic?
2. Why did the Romans get rid of their king?
3. What is the purpose of Checks and Balances?
4. What kind of democracy is a republic?
5. What does the “rule of law” mean?
6. What was the most important law making body of the republic?
7. Who did the tribunes represent?
8. What function did the consuls perform?
9. How could the consuls “check and balance” each other?
10. When did Rome choose a dictator?
11. How long could a dictator remain in power?
12. How did the Roman Republic influence the development of the
U.S.A.?