Roman Republic Government Structure
2 Consuls
•Power origninates from a constituion
•Wielded civil and military power
•Elected by the patricians-upper class aristocrats
Senate
•Aristocrats with extensive political experience
•Advised consuls and ratified all major decisions
Tribunes
•Represented the interests of the plebians
•Had the power to intervene in all political matter
•Had the power to veto
From Republic to EmpireOctavian Augustus, Julius Caesar’s nephew, established the foundations of the
Roman Empire’s political system.
He preserved traditional republican offices and forms of government
Stripped republican offices of all power, taking responsibility for all
government functions himself
Reorganized the military system, creating a new standing army with
commanders who owed allegiance directly to the emperor (a reform that
eliminated problems caused during the late republic by generals with
personal armies).
Placed individuals who were loyal to him in important positions