Basic Political Structure

Question 1

Who elects the consul?

Answer 1

Elected by the comitia centura

Question 2

Powers of the consul

Answer 2

Chief magistrates preside over the senate
Administered legislation
Served as military magistrates 
Represented Rome in foreign affairs
Appointed dictators

Question 3

Praetor

Answer 3

‘Lesser’ magistrates who administered civil law in Rome and could assume consular duties in the consul’s absence.

Question 4

Who elects the censor?

Answer 4

Comitia centura

Question 5

Censor’s powers

Answer 5

Senior magistrates who were elected every 5 years for a one and a half tear term.
They were in charge of the conduct of the masses
In charge of property assessments for tax purposes
In charge of the control of public morals
In charge of the supervision of public contract lease

Question 6

Who elected the Curule aedile?

Answer 6

Comitia tributa

Question 7

Powers of the curule aedile

Answer 7

Supervision of the games, markets, religious festivals, temples
In charge of the upkeep of the city
In charge of grain supply

Question 8

Who elected the quaestor?

Answer 8

Comitia tributa

Question 9

Power of the quaestor

Answer 9

In charge of the state treasury

Question 10

Who elected the tribune?

Answer 10

Consilium plebis

Question 11

Powers of the tribune

Answer 11

‘Negative powers’ - right to veto a magistrate or any official act including elections, laws, decrees of the senate.
‘Positive powers’ - could convene the senate, the consilium plebis
They passed plebiscites (referendum)

Question 12

Dictator

Answer 12

Appointed by the consuls in a time of military emergency. They had full imperium for 6 months, or the length of time of the emergency (whatever is shorter)

Question 13

Comitia centura

Answer 13

193 centuries.
Function - election of the highest magistrates, declaration of war, passing of law, highest court in cases of capital punishment

Question 14

Breakdown of comitia centura

Answer 14

Equites - 18 votes
Class I - 70 votes
Class II-V - 100 votes
Army units - 4 votes
Capita censi - 1 vote

Question 15

Comitia tributa

Answer 15

Tribal units of 4 urban and 31 rural tribes

Function - election of junior magistrates, passing of plebiscites

Question 16

Senate

Answer 16

Composed of 300 (600under Sulla) magistrates and ex-magistrates who were elected by the sensors for life.
They were technically advisory, but the senate controlled public finances, made foreign affairs decisions, assigned military commands…