The Early Roman Republic and Political Structure

Aeneas

Trojan hero, ancestor of Romulus.

Tiber Valley

Region where early Roman settlements formed.

Forum

Common meeting place for Roman citizens.

Roman Monarchy

Period ruled by kings before the Republic.

Popular Assembly

Group of male citizens electing the king.

Senate

Council of nobles advising the king.

Patricians

Noble class in early Roman society.

Plebeians

Commoners and small farmers in Rome.

Clients

Plebeians dependent on patrician landowners.

Consuls

Two officials ruling simultaneously for one year.

Law of the Twelve Tables

First written law code of Rome.

Social Contract Theory

Government originated from voluntary citizen agreement.

Popular Sovereignty

Power ultimately resides with the people.

Plebian Council

Weak council representing plebeian interests.

Tribal Assembly

Plebian assembly with legislative powers.

Tribunes

Ten officials presiding over the Tribal Assembly.

Appeal a Death Sentence

Right to retrial before the Tribal Assembly.

Marriage Legislation

Legalization of marriage between patricians and plebeians.

Debt Enslavement

Abolished practice of enslaving citizens for debt.

Roman Magistrates

Elected officials with specific governmental roles.

Checks and Balances

System ensuring no single branch holds power.

Censors

Officials maintaining census of citizens.

Praetors

Judicial and military provincial governors.