The system of government in Ancient Rome can trace its roots back to the Kingdom era in the 6th century BCE. During this period, the government was based on an ‘oligarchy’ system which was divided into two ‘patrician’ classes – citizens of the ruling class and people from the lower class. With the onset of the Republic period in the 5th century BCE, the government completely changed its structure as it transitioned from a monarchy to a ‘republic’ style.
The Roman Republic was a form of government that included executive and legislative branches. The executive branch, or ‘Consuls’ was split into two parts, with two individuals sharing the role of the Consuls. The Consuls were similar to the modern-day presidents, in that they were chosen by the citizens of Rome each year and were responsible for carrying out their duties of executing the laws and directing foreign and domestic policy. In addition, the Consuls had the power to veto one another’s decisions.
The legislative branch of the Roman Republic was made up of three distinct assemblies – the Senate, the Comitia Centuriata, and the Comitia Tributa. The Senate was composed of Patrician and Plebeian nobles, who were responsible for debating and voting on laws. The Comitia Centuriata and Comitia Tributa were slightly more democratic assemblies. The Comitia Centuriata was made up of citizens who were divided into voting blocks based on their wealth and social standing, while the Comitia Tributa was composed of citizens who could vote on the more local issues.
The Roman Republic was eventually replaced by the Roman Empire in 27 BCE, when the last of the Republic’s assemblies were abolished and replaced with the Imperial Senate. The Imperial Senate was far more powerful than any Republic-era assembly, and it granted ultimate authority over Roman law and policy to the Emperor and his appointed officials. This system allowed for greater control over the Roman Empire, leading to a period of intense economic, military, and cultural expansion that encompassed large swaths of land from Britannia to Egypt.
Military Expansion
The Roman system of government was a major factor in the Roman Empire’s military expansion. Under the Republic, the army was composed of conscripted soldiers from all the territories that Rome had conquered. Each army was led by elected military officers called ‘generals’, while the central military command was overseen by the two Consuls. This system gave Rome a large and formidable army that could easily expand its borders, as well as protect its citizens.
The Republic-era military also took advantage of advanced military tactics. One example of this was their use of fortified walls, or ‘castra’, which were used to protect Roman cities. Another effective tactic utilized by the Romans were their use of siege engines, such as ballistas and battering rams, which were used to break down enemy fortifications. These tactics, combined with the sheer numbers of their armies, made the Roman military one of the most powerful forces in antiquity.
Under the Imperial system, the Roman army also experienced a great degree of success. The central command of the army was now in the hands of the Emperor and his appointed generals, and the size of the army was expanded by recruiting auxiliaries from allies and conquered territories. This ‘auxilla’ system allowed Rome to mobilize a large number of soldiers quickly, enabling them to expand their borders at an incredible rate.
The sheer size and power of the Roman army allowed them to easily conquer their enemies. This enabled the spread of Roman culture and law throughout the regions it conquered, allowing the Empire to become a powerful and influential force in the ancient world.
Legal System
The Roman legal system was also an integral part of their government. Under the Republic, laws were voted on by the three assemblies, with the Senate overseeing the process. This was an effective system for ensuring the laws were just and fair for all Roman citizens.
The Imperial period also saw changes in the Roman legal system. The Emperor became the supreme lawgiver and was given the power to interpret and create laws as he deemed fit. This allowed the Emperor to quickly and efficiently create and enforce laws, giving him enormous power and influence over Roman law.
In addition, the Romans also had a very organised system of justice. The legal system ran in a similar fashion to a court system, with a panel of judges presiding over cases, such as murder, theft, and public disturbances. In some cases, the accused individual could appeal their case in order to receive a more favourable judgement.
Overall, the Romans had a long and intricate system of law and order that played a key role in their government. This system provided stability, fairness, and protection for their citizens, allowing the Roman Empire to flourish for centuries.
Economy
The Roman government was largely responsible for the strong economic state of the empire. During the Republic era, the government was responsible for managing the finances of the state by collecting taxes from citizens, setting trade tariffs, and conducting diplomacy with other countries.
Under the Imperial period, the government was also responsible for promoting economic activity by investing in public works projects, such as building roads, bridges, and aqueducts, as well as encouraging new industries, such as mining and farming. This helped secure a strong financial base for the Roman Empire, allowing it to become a major player on the ancient international stage.
The Roman government also employed various techniques to stimulate economic growth, such as providing citizens with subsidies, introducing new forms of currency, and creating market regulations to ensure fair trade practices. This enabled the Roman economy to flourish, allowing trade and wealth to spread throughout the Empire.
Finally, the Roman government was responsible for establishing a complex system of trade and commerce, linking the Empire with distant countries, such as India and China. This allowed the Empire to access goods, resources, and ideas from around the globe, which further enriched the Roman economy.
Social Impact
The government of Ancient Rome played a large role in shaping the society of the time. Under the Republic, the government was responsible for providing public services and welfare to citizens, such as public baths and public libraries, as well as subsidised meals for the poor. This helped provide a good standard of living for citizens, as well as creating a feeling of unity and belonging.
The government also promoted education, creating a strong emphasis on reading, writing, and literature. This helped create a well-educated middle class, which in turn allowed people from all classes to participate in public life. This helped create an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation, which was essential for the empire to thrive.
Under the Imperial period, the government also played a role in shaping societal norms. The government encouraged citizens to set certain moral standards, such as avoiding extravagance and displaying public virtue. This helped create a strong sense of social etiquette, which united citizens and kept the empire stable.
Cultural Impact
The Roman government was also responsible for its great cultural achievements. The Republic period saw a great number of advances in art, literature, and architecture, while the Imperial period saw a shift towards more practical and utilitarian structures. These changes were largely due to the increased influence of the government, which was keenly interested in promoting and developing Roman culture.
The government was also responsible for the spread of Roman art and literature. During the Republic era, the government sponsored sculptors, writers, and painters to create masterpieces across the Empire. This helped create a unified cultural identity, as well as enriching the lives of its citizens.
The Imperial period also saw a number of advances in art and architecture. The government promoted grand public works projects, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman baths, which are still admired today. This allowed the immense achievements of Ancient Rome to be experienced by future generations.
Conclusion
The government of Ancient Rome was a highly complex system that played a vital role in the Empire’s success. It was responsible for managing finances, undertaking military operations, shaping societal values and norms, and promoting cultural growth. This system of government enabled the Roman Empire to become a great empire that endured for centuries, and its legacy is still visible today.
