Roman Constitution Overview (Polybius)

The practice of extending the term of a magistrate beyond the standard duration, usually for urgent situations. It's like giving a temporary extension when your homework is due.

Large agricultural estates owned by wealthy Romans that were often worked by slaves. These estates caused social problems like landlessness and poverty for small farmers.

Roman politicians who favored the interests of the common people, the "people's party". They often advocated for social reforms and opposed the power of the Senate.

Roman politicians who favored the power of the Senate and opposed the social reforms of the "populares". They upheld tradition and prioritized the aristocracy.

A military leader who rose to power through his loyalty to the soldiers rather than the Republic. He reformed the army, recruiting from all social classes, but this loyalty to the general ultimately weakened the Republic.

The Roman constitution was not a single written document, but a series of unwritten guidelines and principles that developed over time. It was made up of three main branches: monarchy, aristocracy, and democracy, each with its own set of institutions and officials.

Roman society was divided into various classes based on status, freedom, and gender. Men had higher status than women, free people had higher status than slaves, and Patricians (wealthy landowners) had higher status than Plebeians (commoners).

The Roman government consisted of a complex system of magistrates (elected officials) with specific responsibilities and powers. Each magistrate served a one-year term, and there were two of each magistrate.

The Consuls were the highest magistrates in Rome, holding immense power in both war and peace. They commanded the army in times of war and oversaw the city in times of peace. They had two key powers: Imperium (military command) and Auspicium (the right to consult the gods).

The Senate was an advisory body made up of the most influential and experienced citizens. It acted as a check on the power of the Consuls and other magistrates, and had a significant role in shaping foreign policy and managing finances.

The Roman people participated in government through various assemblies, which voted on laws and elected officials. These assemblies were divided into three types, each with its own voting structure and specific responsibilities.

The Tribune of the Plebs was an office created specifically to protect the rights and interests of the Plebeians (commoners). They had the power to veto any law that they considered harmful to the Plebeians, ensuring their voices were heard in the political process.

The Cursus Honorum was a structured path that Roman citizens had to follow in order to progress through the ranks of government offices. This system prevented individuals from gaining immediate power and ensured that they gained experience and understanding before assuming high-level positions.