Background Info Flashcards
(24 cards)
What type of political system was in place during the Late Republic?
A political system based on public representation of the Roman people, but best described as an oligarchy dominated by the senatorial class. Their power was not absolute — they still needed the support of the people.
Who were the Patricians and what advantages did they have in the political system?
The Patricians were the original aristocratic families. Some political positions were closed to them (as they were reserved for plebeians), but they could begin the Cursus Honorum at a younger age than plebeians.
Who were the Plebeians and what was their status in the Late Republic?
The Plebeians were originally Rome’s labouring class. By the Late Republic, some had become as wealthy as Patricians, but most — especially the plebs urbana — remained poor.
Who made up the Senatorial Order and how many were there?
The Senatorial Order was at the top of Roman society, composed of 600 men and their families. Membership was not hereditary.
What was the financial requirement for the Equestrian Order?
Possession of 400,000 sesterces in assets.
What proportion of Rome’s population was poor?
The poor of varying degrees made up 90% of the population.
How had Roman citizenship changed by the Late Republic?
Citizenship had spread to most of Italy.
What types of social bonds existed between rich and poor Romans?
Bonds of patronage — where a patron supported a client — and tribal bonds based on the 35 Roman tribes (4 urban and 31 rural).
What were the main types of officials and institutions in the Roman constitution?
Magistrates: Proposed laws, acted as judges, administered government, commanded armies.
Tribunes: Could propose laws and veto them.
Senate: An advisory body issuing senatus consultum, usually followed, composed mainly of ex-magistrates (600 members).
What was the role of the Tribune of the Plebs?
The Tribune of the Plebs was elected by the people (excluding Patricians), could propose and veto laws, and defend plebeians. They were elected in the 35 tribes, and voters had to be physically present in Rome, limiting rural influence.
What was the Comitia Populi Tributa and what did it do?
It elected Aediles and Quaestors, was presided over by a Consul or Praetor, and used a tribal voting system of 35 tribes.
What was the Comitia Centuriata and how did its voting system work?
It elected Consuls and Praetors. It was divided into 193 centuries split across 7 classes. 88 of the centuries were from equestrians and the next most wealthy class and voted first, often determining the outcome. The 7th class, consisting of the poorest citizens, was all enrolled in a single century, which gave them very limited influence (one vote total in their century).
What was the Cursus Honorum and why was it important?
A structured sequence of political offices, with annual elections. Politicians aimed to be elected as young as legally possible. Completion allowed entry into the Senate.
What were the requirements and roles of a Quaestor?
20 elected annually
Minimum age: 30 (28 for Patricians)
Duties: Two managed the treasury in Rome; others worked for provincial governors. Administrative role, and had to hold this office to pursue further positions.
What were the requirements and responsibilities of an Aedile?
4 elected annually
Minimum age: 36 (34 for Patricians)
Duties: Managed public buildings, food supply, street markets, and organised some public games. Not a compulsory step on the Cursus Honorum. 2 Aediles had to be Plebeians.
What were the requirements and duties of a Praetor?
8 elected annually
Minimum age: 39 (37 for Patricians)
Duties: Presided over law courts, held imperium, and could preside over assemblies.
What were the requirements and powers of a Consul?
2 elected annually
Minimum age: 42 (40 for Patricians)
Most powerful and prestigious office. Presided over Senate debates and public assemblies. Could override Praetors’ judicial decisions, held imperium, were escorted by lictors, and could veto other magistrates (but not Tribunes). Required 10 years between consulships.
What were the conditions and duties of a Censor?
2 elected every 5 years for a term of 18 months
Had to be ex-consuls
Duties: Conducted census, oversaw new entrants to the Senate, and awarded state contracts (tenders for public works).
What happened after someone completed a praetorship or consulship?
They were given a provincial command as a Proconsul or Propraetor.
What powers and opportunities did Proconsuls and Propraetors have?
They held imperium in their provinces, often exploited provincials for personal wealth, and sought military victories, territorial expansion, and the chance of a triumph.
How many members were in the Senate after Sulla’s reforms?
600 members.
Who made up the Senate and what did it do?
Men who had held magistracies from the Cursus Honorum. The Senate:
Debated laws and issues
Issued senatus consultum (advisory but usually followed)
Controlled state expenditure
Contained factions, such as the Populares and Optimates.
How many Tribunes were elected, and who could be one?
10 Tribunes were elected, and only plebeians could hold the office.
What powers and protections did Tribunes of the Plebs have?
Defended the poor from magistrates
People could appeal to them
Could veto proposed laws
Could not be interfered with — doing so was punishable by death
They were often politically co-opted by magistrates, leading to alliances and corruption.
