Roman Society

What does SPQR stand for?

Senatus Populusque Romanus (The Senate and the People of Rome)

What were the two social classes of Rome?

Patricians (small group of aristocratic families) and Plebeians (everyone else)

What form of government did Rome NOT want?

A monarchy

In a true democracy, the _____ can impose its will on the _______.

Majority and Minority

What is a republic?

A government in which voters elect officials to run the state

Also, in a republic, a constitution and its citizens have what that cannot be taken away?

Rights

How many members were in the Roman Senate?

300

How did Senates gain office?

They were chosen from the aristocracy, not elected

The Senate, appointed for life, had what two main jobs?

Controlled the money & foreign policy and they were the advisors to the consuls

What was the most powerful branch in Rome?

Senate

Name the differences between the Roman Senate and Congress.

US Senate (100) and House (435) vs Rome Senate (300). The US Senate is elected for 6-year terms (still advises the president and handles foreign affairs). The House is elected for 2-year terms and controls the $$$.

What was Branch 1 of Roman Government?

Monarchial: Consuls

What was Branch 2 of Roman Government?

Aristocratic: Senate and 2 Assemblies

What was Branch 3 of Roman Government?

Democratic: Tribunes (Elected by the Tribal Assembly which is based where people live).

Who elected the Consuls?

The Centuriate Assembly (all citizen soldiers)

How long were the terms for a Consul, and what was the max number of times they could serve?

One year terms with a max of 10

What were the two responsibilities of the Consuls?

CEO's of the government and commander in chief of the military

The Republic was threatened by what form of government?

A dictatorship

Who was Cincinnatus?

A dictator who served for 16 days and helped Rome defeat an army (Farmer, Leader, Farmer).

What is the difference between the executive and monarchical branch?

The President is elected by the people and has 4 year terms with a 2 year limit.

What was the main role of the Tribunes?

They were protectors of the plebeians

What action could the Tribunes take against the consuls?

They could veto the consuls.

The Tribune's body was sacrosanct, meaning...?

They could not be touched/interfered with.

What were the requirements for the Tribune's for election?

1 year terms and they cannot be poor.

Who were the Praetors?

8 judges who enforced the laws (the Final Court elected by the assemblies)

What was the difference between the Judicial and Democratic System:

In the Judicial System, there are 9 Justices and are appointed to life by the President.

Who were the Roman Legions?

Citizen Soldiers who, if called up, have to serve

How were the Legions payed?

Through spoils of war/stuff acquired through plundering

How long did the Legionaries serve?

25 years (very well trained)

What did they grant to citizens in conquered territories?

Partial citizenship (could own property, marry, etc. but NO voting)

How could the conquered people keep their government and customs?

By paying taxes

Women were treated better in Rome than Greece, T or F?

True, but they still didn't have full citizenship/rights

What religion was Roman religion very similar to?

Greek Religion

What was clothing and appearance based on in Rome?

Class and Different Events

What present day establishments and products were in Rome?

Barbershops, cosmetics and jewelry

Slavery was not essential to Roman economy, but was used as a...?

Status Symbol

Unlike Greece, Romans believed ________ was more important than the state and state pride?

Family

How were the rich educated in Rome?

Private tutors usually in the home

How were the poor educated in Rome?

Early forms of public education

Name some ways Rome was entertained.

Theaters, mimes, jugglers, dancers, acrobats, clowns, baths, and chariot races

Gladiator events began as what?

Funeral Games

Gladiators were mainly who?

Men who were not free

What was the oath gladiators had to take?

"I will endure to be burned, to be bound, to be beaten, and to be killed by sword."

Name some creative ways they used the colosseum.

Animals, reenactments, could flood the colosseum for naval battles, parades, and individual gladiator combat.

What is Ptolemy?

Theories and astronomy

Where was the only place to cross the city?

The Trade Center (economic advantage)

What was engineering based on?

Greek Science

What were some Roman inventions?

Water and sewage systems, roads, bridges, arenas, Latin/alphabet (23 letters) and aqueducts (carries water from the mountains).

Name Rome's architectural advancements.

Arch and vaulted dome and concrete

Explain the twelve tables.

A set of laws written by the plebeians was used as the basis of Roman law. It made Patricians and Plebeians more equal (center of town for all to read/know).