The
Res publica -- “a government in which power resides in citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives responsible to them and to a body of law” (Gloria K. Fiero’s definition in The Humanistic Tradition)
I.
Polybius (205-125 BCE) wrote of consuls as monarchial, senate as aristocratic, and tribunes as democratic
II. Traits the Republic absorbed from earlier Roman civilization
Patriarchy (Paterfamilias)
Class divisions between Patricians and Plebians
Executive (Kingship from legendary
III.
Structure: Senate (Patricians) –power resides here. Censor determines eligibility
(continued to meet with less power under Empire until 6th c. CE)
2 elected Consuls (Patricians) presiding over Senate and Army
Assembly (All citizens, patricians dominating plebs, wealthiest voting first)
Increased role for Plebs in 3rd c. BCE coincident with Latin control of Italian peninsula
Plebs request publication of laws, Twelve Tables 450 BCE
2 elected tribunes (Plebs), judicial role (3rd c. BCE)
Land redistribution under Tiberius Gracchus (assassinated 133 BCE) and Gaius Gracchus
Plebian Council, 287 BCE right to make binding laws
Plebs gain public offices
IV. Roman Expansion to Status of World Power
Successful imperialism compared to Athens-absorbed Italian peninsula into Roman rule.
Punic Wars
with
conquer
Wars against
Problems of a Republic which becomes a World Power—
corrupt wealthy class gaining booty and slaves
authoritarian ruling of provinces
power of military generals greater than Senate
(Discussed by Cicero, Horace, and Josephus)
Law of Peoples (jus gentium) slowly evolved in relations of Latins with others
V.
Greek Cultural Impact on
Athenians schools of 2nd and 1st c. BCE
Carneades’ visit to Rome 156 BCE.
Cato the Censor (d. 149) rejector of Carneades and Greek Influence
Marcus Tullius Cicero (104-43 BCE), reporter of Athenian philosphers’ impact,
Defender of the