{"id":9109,"date":"2023-11-27T23:10:18","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T22:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9109"},"modified":"2023-11-27T23:10:18","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T22:10:18","slug":"what-was-significant-about-government-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/what-was-significant-about-government-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"What Was Significant About Government In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The government of ancient Rome was one of the most sophisticated of its time. Its structure was complex and its processes comprehensive, which allowed Rome to thrive as one of the greatest empires in the history of the world. From the early Republic period, up until the inception of imperial rule, Rome’s government was marked by ambitious law-making and a focus on fairness. <\/p>\n

Originally, the government of Rome was characterized by a strong Senate and an equally powerful Assembly. The popular voting by the citizens was crucial in these law-making processes and ensured a balanced representation. The Senate was responsible for managing foreign and internal policy and also had the power to declare war and peace. It was made up of members of noble and patrician families, though it was possible to move up the ranks with sound leadership and financial acumen. <\/p>\n

The early Roman Republic was, however, constantly beset by a change in power struggles between the Plebeian and the Patrician classes. The former, who were members of the common public, vied for a better representation in government and this led to the Celstine Laws, which laid down an equal basis for the rights of all Roman citizens, no matter their rank or class. This laid the foundations for a strong democracy and became the basis of Roman law. <\/p>\n

The period of the Roman Republic, which lasted from 509 BC to 27 BC, laid the foundation for the Roman Empire, which followed. During the republic, the citizens voted for two consuls who had almost dictatorial power and served as military and civil leaders. This system was replaced by the Imperial rule of Augustus, who initiated the Roman Empire and known as the “First Citizen”. Under this system, the government of Rome was centralized, with power held by one person, who was able to make administrative and judiciary decisions. This period saw the glory days of Rome, and its system of government was an inspiration for many future kings and rulers. <\/p>\n