Descendants of those who had settled Rome
Originally could not be Senators or hold office
Plebeians
Only appointed in times of crisis
Power not subject to appeal or veto until 300 B.C.E.
Could only be in power for 6 months
Dictators
Two men elected annually
Commanders-in-chief
Minimum age 42
Supported and advised by Senate
Each consul could veto ("I deny")
Could not be re-elected for a period of 10 years
Wore white robes edged in purple to signify royal status
Consuls
In charge of the treasury and public records
Lowly office, though ex-quaestors usually became senators
Quaestors
Founding families of Rome
Could be Senators and hold office
Could trace their roots to first Senators chosen by Romulus
Patricians
Res Publica = property of the people
- 3 parts
Magistrates
Senators
People
SPQR- Senatus Populusque Romanus
"The Senate and the People of Rome
Government
Responsible for compiling lists of citizens
Rook legal action against any citizen suspected of giving false information about his affairs
Censor
Responsible for: upkeep of roads; regulation traffic; weights and measures; the water supply; upkeep of public order; looking after religious affairs
Oversee administration of entertainment and public games
Aediles
State politics body in Rome
Not elected
Lifetime position
No pay, but most wealthy with lots of property
Depending on time, usually 300 or 600 during Julius Caesar 900
Sentors
Chief judges
Responsible for administration of justice
Could introduce legislation and hold military command
Praetors
To protect common people from abuses of power of magistrates and Senate
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