In ancient Greece and Rome, political meetings and votes were held in various places including the Forum, a large, rectangular open-air space in Rome; the Curia, an enclosed chamber; and the temple of Apollo on the Palatine Hill. During the early monarchy, the kings made all legislative decisions and resolutions. In the Roman Republic, when multiple delegates were elected to represent their constituent interests, consensus-based political meetings were held in the Forum.
Voting was also conducted in the Forum. Citizens of Rome (not including slaves) gathered to cast their votes, either by word or by the physical showing of their hands in favor or against the proposed legislation. This method of voting, known as the Centuriate Assembly, allowed the people to approve new laws and elected magistrates. Eventually, this form of voting was replaced by the secret ballot, which was introduced in the late Republic.
In the Republic’s later years, the Senate, an assembly of elected members, would meet in the Curia to discuss and debate executive and legislative issues. This chamber was also the site of elections for higher magistracies such as the consulships. During the imperial period, the Senate continued to meet here while matters of state were discussed in the Palatine Hill.
Ancient Greek and Roman assemblies were able to discuss and debate complex issues and make collective decisions. However, they relied heavily on personal networks and patronage, which made it difficult for some voices to be heard. This system was based on the principle of majority rule, though women and slaves had no political rights or agency.
In modern democracies, the same principles of majority rule apply, but the quality of representation and debate is far superior. Votes are increasingly made electronically, which safeguards against fraud and ensures more accurate results. Additionally, minorities are more likely to have their voices heard, as formalized procedures lend themselves to censorship.
Representative System of Elections in Ancient Rome
The Roman Republic used a representative system for the election of their magistrates. A linear system of faction was used to ensure that only the most qualified and ideological candidates were chosen. As a means of checking the power of the emperor, this system of election often resulted in coalition building and conflict as factions sought to increase their power within the Republic. Electioneering among the Roman populace was not uncommon and could be quite intense; in some cases, candidates even resorted to bribery and other fraud to win votes. As the Roman Republic evolved over time, so too did its election process, adapting to new social and political challenges.
In 48 BC, Julius Caesar proposed the Lex Iulia de Civitate Latinis et Sociis Danda, commonly referred to as the Roman Citizenship Law, expanding the franchise to include allied citizens living in Rome and its provinces. This law sought to bridge the divide between the Roman and foreign populations, allowing all citizens engaged in the political process to participate on a more equal footing. Julius Caesar’s reforms increased the political power of his supporters and allies, and greatly influenced the outcome of the Roman civil war.
Political Climate in Ancient Rome
Severe punishment was put in place for those who dared to challenge the political system. Prosecutions for treason could result in heavy fines, exile or even death. Conspiracy against the state was treated as a serious offense and any political dissident that could be linked with or accused of opposition or rebellion could be persecuted without trial. It was also not uncommon for actors and orators to be censored or exiled for their views.
The public discourse in Rome was infused with fear, skepticism and suspicion as citizens sought to protect their political rights. Needed reforms were often blocked by powerful interests due to fear of change and the potential loss of their own power. People naturally sought to protect their own individual interests, fueling a vicious cycle of power struggles and unrest.
Despite this political climate of suspicion, Rome had a rich and vibrant culture of discussion and debate. It was not uncommon for citizens to express their views openly in the Forum, debate policies, and defend their causes. The republic was fueled by beneficial cooperation as well as internal rivalries. Political meetings in this period also acted as an important mechanism for resolving internal tensions and for ironing out disputes.
Practice of Political Oratory in Ancient Rome
In Ancient Rome, political oratory was an important way for people to communicate their thoughts and express support for their causes. This practice allowed people to show their support for a given candidate or party, and to provide them with guidance, as well as to express their oppositions. This was seen as a fairly level playing field and allowed citizens to influence the debate, even when they didn’t have the right to vote. It was not uncommon for citizens to organize rallies and marches in support of their cause, as well as to hold speeches in the forum in order to further their agenda.
Political oratory provided the people of Ancient Rome with an outlet to express their grievances and discuss public issues. However, it also often devolved into what some would consider today as hate-speech and inflammatory rhetoric. The Senate attempted to regulate political rhetoric to maintain order and reduce chaos, but this often served to limit free speech and prevented politicians from airing their grievances. As a result, political chaos and in-fighting often ensue.
While political oratory was a popular practice in Ancient Rome, it was often subject to corruption and manipulation as well. It was not uncommon for politicians to make use of rhetorical techniques and outrageous promises to win over the crowd and sway elections in their favor. This could result in populist policies that had little practical value and flawed decision-making, as well as political instability.
Role of Women in the Political System in Ancient Rome
Women in Ancient Rome were not given the same rights or agency as men, though this did not stop them from voicing their opinions and engagement in politics. Although women were not allowed to vote, it was not uncommon for them to participate in discussions, both in private and public settings. Female participation in the political sphere often drew criticism from men who saw it as a threat to the status quo.
Undeterred, Women of Rome continued to have a presence in politics and serve as advisors, brokers and spin doctors. Women such as Cornelia, the daughter of Scipio Africanus, and Crinis, the sister of the prominent censor Appius Claudius Caecus, provided political advice to their male relatives and even got involved in their election campaigns. It was not uncommon for them to use their gossip networks, contacts and public influence to advance their relatives’ political interests.
Despite having to combat misogyny and patriarchy, women in Ancient Rome managed to make their voices heard. Some scholars have even argued that by using their contacts and political acumen, women contributed to the emergence of Rome as one of the greatest empires in history.
Control of Media in Ancient Rome
The political system in Ancient Rome had an extensive control over media and communications. Messages were often distributed orally through public speakers and writers, and messages from the Senate and imperial court were often featured in newspapers, pamphlets, and on public placards.
Writers such as Cicero and Sallust held influential positions within both the Senate and the imperial court, and their words had considerable influence on public discourse. Writers such as Ovid and Juvenal often wrote works of satire which served as a critique of corrupt politicians, often exposing the failings of the Roman Republic.
The control of media in Ancient Rome was much tighter than in modern societies. All messages were subject to censorship and any defiance was met with severe punishment. Publications that critiqued the imperial court or provided alternative points of view were subject to censorship and could be banned entirely.
The influence of the media in Ancient Rome was also limited by its reach. While influential authors and orators could reach a wider audience, the majority of citizens had limited access to knowledge and information. This undoubtedly limited the quality of the political discourse and prevented citizens from understanding the complex issues facing Rome.
Impact of Current Political Climate on Ancient Rome
Given the increasingly volatile political landscape in the United Sates, it is worth examining the parallels between current events and the political climate in Ancient Rome.
The death of George Floyd earlier this year sparked international outrage and protests. This has reignited discussions about race relations and systemic racism, issues which have long been a source of tension and unrest in the United States. This echoes discussions that took place during the Roman Republic, especially regarding the place of the imperial court’s treatment of foreign citizens and domestic slaves.
More recently, the Capitol riot has demonstrated the fragility of democracy and highlighted attempts to undermine the rule of law. This has reignited discussions about the appropriate roles of law enforcement, as well as the right to protest and dissent. These same issues were present in Rome, as powerful interests attempted to manipulate elections and undermine the law in order to increase their own power.
The current political climate has shown that even the strongest democracies are vulnerable to threats from within. It is important to remain vigilant and protect our rights and our democracy. We can learn from the past and ensure that these lessons are not lost on future generations.
