Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Key Ideas
In the Roman republic, power was divided
among many different people so that no one
person could become too powerful.
The government of the Roman republic was
made up of three separate branches that
held different powers.
The Roman republic influenced later
republics, including the United States.
Key Terms
constitutionsystem of rules by which a
government is organized
vetoto stop or cancel the action of a
government official or body
Roman Government
Rome had an unwritten constitution, a
system of rules that organized the
government.
Separation of powers kept any one person
from holding too much power.
Checks and balances kept the branches of
government from abusing their power.
Rule of law meant that even powerful people
could be tried for breaking the law.
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Roman Citizens
Patricians were from oldest families. They were
usually wealthy, and, at first, they controlled all
government offices.
Plebeians were the majority of Romans. They were
not aristocratic. Many were farmers and artisans. They
gained access to political offices over time.
Which group made up a majority of citizens?
What were some rights and responsibilities
adult male citizens had?
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Roman Government
Branches of Roman Government
Senate
aedile
praetors
consuls