
Consuls, Senate,
Assembly
Government under the Roman Republic
The Roman system of government might seem a little strange to us, but for them it worked for almost 500 years. The republic was run by the Senate. The senate passed all laws and collected all taxes. All members of the Senate were of the Patrician or wealthy landowner class.
At the head of the senate were two consuls. The Consuls controlled the legions of Rome. A senator was selected by the Consuls and remained a senator for life. The Consuls also selected the new members of the Senate if a senator died. To become a consul, you had to be elected by a majority of the popular vote from all citizens of Rome.
There was a second part of Roman government, the assembly. The assembly was elected by Romans from the plebeian class. The Assembly had no real power per the governmental structure, but if you didn't listen to the assembly they had the power of most of the citizens behind them and could make life very interesting.
See Chart Below
Structure of Government Under the Republic
2 Consuls Head of Government |
Senate (300 members) | Assembly |
PATRICIANS | PATRICIANS | PLEBEIANS |
1 year term | Life term | |
Consuls chose the Senators | Elected the 2 Consuls | |
Ran the government, overseeing the work of other government officials. | Advised the consuls. Advised the Assembly. | Elected government officials including judges. |
Directed (commanded) the army | Directed spending, including tax dollars | |
Acted as judges | Approved or disapproved laws made by the Assembly | Voted on laws suggested by government officials |
In an emergency, consuls could choose a dictator as a single ruler to make quick decisions. | Made decisions concerning relationships with foreign powers | Declared war or peace |
Both consuls had to agree on their decisions. Each had the power to Veto the other. In Latin, veto means to forbid. |
Compare & Contrast Governments: Roman Republic and US Government

Explore Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome for Kids
Quick Comparison: Ancient Greeks vs. Ancient Romans
Geography, Natural Resources, Maps
Three Periods in Roman History
Daily Life
Gods, Goddesses, Myths, Religion
Expansion
Roman Letters Home, Inscriptions
Entertainment
Art and Architecture
Roman Architecture, the Great Builders
People
Roman Emperors - Augustus, Trajan, Diocletian, Constantine, Valens
Achievements and Inventions
How the planets got their names
Achievements, Contributions - Concrete, Aquaducts, and more
Interactive Games
Play Free Interactive Online Games about Ancient Rome
Interactive Quiz Questions with Answers about Ancient Rome by Topic
Ancient Rome Five Themes of Geography
Early Ancient Rome - The Founding and Kingdom
Ancient Rome - The Roman Republic
Ancient Rome - The Roman Empire
Ancient Roman Religion, Festivals, Holidays
Ancient Rome - Rights of Slaves, Children, and Women
Ancient Roman Art, Architecture, Inventions, Achievements
Ancient Rome for Teachers
Ancient Rome Lesson Plans & Units
Ancient Rome Activities and Projects
Ancient Rome Free Use PowerPoints
Investigate Real Life Artifacts in the Museum of the Ancients