Premium Essay

How Democratic Was The Roman Republic A Democracy?

Submitted By
Words 413
Pages 2
The Roman Republic to some extent was a democracy. While the Roman Republic was not as democratic as the United states is today, there are many things that you would have been different in ancient Rome to make it a true democracy. The Roman Republic was democratic in the way that they allowed the citizens of Rome to vote and they had a constitution that they followed; however, they weren't in the aspect such as they allowed slavery.
All though they weren’t too liberal with many aspects they still allowed the poor to vote as long as they were in Rome. Citizens would have to travel to the city of Rome in order to vote. So many of the roman citizens wouldn’t, or couldn’t travel to the city of Rome to vote. As a result only 2% of all roman citizens

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Ancient Rome's Democracy

...to itself as a democracy, but was it? There were a set of unwritten rules to back up how Roman officials were fair to its citizens. These rules were constantly updated throughout time. Citizens had many legal rights such as the right to a trial, to hold office and to enter contracts. During the time it was a republic, Rome was fair to all of its citizens through its system of electing officials, acting upon citizens opinion and relying on a dictator only during periods of emergency. Rome voted to elect officials in this period of time instead of using the monarchy system they had been using. Two consoles were elected by the citizens for a term of a year instead of a life-long term of a king. The console was the highest elected office of the political republic. The two consoles were elected by voting of all Roman men instead of by relatives passing the title to them. The consoles were given both civil and military responsibilities. One console could veto the other console’s decisions. Through the elected consoles, Rome made the transition from monarchy to a republic and was very democratic. Citizen opinion was highly valued in Rome’s government due to voting and elections....

Words: 526 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Greek Democracy: Difference Between Rome And Greeks

...greeks did. I will also tell you about what the Romans did. I’ll probably pick Rome because they have done a lot in today’s world. Rome and greece have done a lot in today’s world. Romans have made government, calendars, festivals, and alphabet so that we can learn. Direct democracy is government where all citizens debate and vote on every decision. The olympics in Greek democracy are ‘’The Olympic Games were held every 4 years in honor of Zeus, the king god. The prizes for winning were fame and glory, along with having statues of the winners erected and sometimes even putting the winners' faces on coins’’. Greek Democracy modern money cash and credit cards ‘’Money was a revolutionary milestone. It helped to drive the development of civilization, by making it easier not just to buy and sell goods. Money continued to evolve in form and function. The ancient world’s stones and shells gave way to coins, and eventually to paper currency and checks drawn upon bank accounts. Those physical tokens, in turn, gradually are being superseded by electronic ones, ranging from credit card transactions’’....

Words: 592 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Government

...In modern politics, a state is an association which has control over a geographic area or territory. States are seen as having three main pieces: * A territory * A people * Some institutions (which have the power to make rules). There are different forms of government a state can have, for example a republic or a monarchy. Sometimes states form their own countries. At other times many states work together to form a country (like the United States). Most states also have armed forces, civil service, law and police. Politics is the way that people living in groups make decisions. Politics is about making agreements between people so that they can live together in groups such astribes, cities, or countries. In large groups, such as countries, some people may spend a lot of their time making such agreements. These people are calledpoliticians. Politicians, and sometimes other people, may get together to form a government. The study of politics in universities is called political science, political studies, or public administration. In everyday life, the term "politics" refers to the way that countries are governed, and to the ways that governments make rules and laws. But politics can also be seen in other groups, too, such as in big companies, schools and churches. A territory (plural: territories, from the word terra, which means 'land') is an area which belongs to a person, organization, institution, animal, nation or state. Ininternational law, a "territory"...

Words: 1682 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Polybius: "Why Romans and Not Greeks Govern the World", C. 140 Bce

...Polybius: "Why Romans and Not Greeks Govern the World", c. 140 BCE ________________________________________ Polybius (c. 200 - 110s BCE) was born into a prominent family in Greece and served as a leader in the Third Macedonian War against Rome. After losing to Rome in the Battle of Pydna (168 BCE), he was deported, along with 1000 other Greeks, to and held captive in Italy. Despite his status as an enemy detainee, Polybius became a friend of the family of Scipio Aemilianus, one of Rome's most remarkable and well-connected politicians. In honor of his new home and new associates, Polybius composed a history of Rome's rise to world power in the course of his own lifetime. As an outsider, Polybius may have misinterpreted Rome's imperialistic moves in the Mediterranean, and he may have exaggerated the organizational genius of the Republic and its leaders. However, his famous analysis of Rome's "mixed constitution" has influenced political thinkers for centuries, and it was standard reading in the Age of Enlightenment, when the American Constitution was created. It is important to remember, however, that the Roman Republic, unlike that of the United States, did not have a standard document that could be used as a reference; the word "constitution" in Rome's case was meant in a general, non-textual sense, as the "make-up" or "organization" of Rome's public affairs. Source: Polybius, Historiarum reliquiae (Paris: Didot, 1839), VI, iii-xvii, 338-48, passim; trans. and condensed...

Words: 2140 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Is the United States Following in the Footsteps of Ancient Rome’s Decline?

...areas of similarity when contrasting the United States with the Roman Empire. The greatest nation on earth today is the United States. The main factors supporting this are that the U.S. is the economic leader in the world. At this time, the U.S. has the strongest military of any nation. There is relevance with what is happening in the United States today and what occurred during the fall of the Roman Empire. One common and provable fact is that in many ways history does have a tendency to repeat itself. Not only on a worldwide scale does this happen, but in the lives of individuals as well. After all, governments and their political entities are made up people. And as part of human nature, people are prone to make the same mistakes again and again, as the Roman Empire and the U.S. similarities and differences in the functioning of the state. The Roman Empire established a connection between the state and the people. The people were subjected respectively by pride in their country. Their pride was extremely strong in a nation who offered a stable and profound class society. They government’s hierarchy included a military emperor or Sacrificial King, senate, consuls, and the forum. The Romans also enacted a class society of peasant farmers, patricians and plebeians, who were among the higher level in the class society. Ruled by a dictator, the Roman Empire was under strict control. The early and late Roman Empire was a powerful dominating group in its time. It conquered many other...

Words: 1304 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Foundation Review

...Review: Foundations Test #2 2012 What defines a classical society? Similarities and differences between them? (article) What is the definitions AND significance of the following? Rome Etruscans Latins Republic Greeks- influence? Patrician Legions Plebeian Senate Consuls Centuriate Assembly Tribal Assembly Tribunes Veto- Who had it? Praetors- How many? Twelve Tables Citizenship- who had it? Women? Times of emergency, who ruled? “Real Power” Geography? Punic Wars Hannibal? Scipio? Tiberius & Gaius Gracchus? Civil War Period? Shift from Republic to Empire? Describe Loyalty of soldier? Julius Caesar Triumvirate Crassus Pompey Ides of March Octavian? Augustus? Pax Romana? Trade system? Basis? Succession to throne? Gladiators? Entertainment? Problems with Empire? Why the Fall-specifics? Diocletian? Constantine? Huns? Germanic invasions? Attila? Byzantine Empire Romulus Augustulus? Virgil? Roman Achievements? The major contribution to Western CIF.? Dates of Republic/Empire/Byzantine Trajan? Arch/Architecture? Infrastructure? Greatest Roman Legacy? Gupta Major accomplishments of each Empire? Mauryan Chandragupta Maurya? Indian geography? Invasions into India? Arthashastra Ashoka Maurya? Kautilya? Buddhism and Hinduism? Brahmin? Collapse? Patriarchal/Matriarchal? Chandra Gupta? White Huns? Tamil? Trade patterns/partners...

Words: 597 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

State of the World

... The national symbols of Barbados are Neptune's trident, pelican, and Red Bird of Paradise flower (also known as Pride of Barbados). In Barbados Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of the State and represented locally by Governor General which is at present Elliott Belgrave. These two heads are advised by the Prime Minister of Barbados who is also the Head of the Government on matters of Barbadian state. The current Prime Minister of Barbados is Freundel Stuart. Barbados functions as a Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy designed on the British Westminster System. Barbados has a Bicameral legislature and Political Party System. There are two dominant political parties in...

Words: 64439 - Pages: 258

Premium Essay

The Development of Rational Outlook Through the West

...Outline Dustin Bowers * Intro * Rational outlook changed over time through different civilizations/cultures. * 1st Body * Hebrews began idea of rational outlook * Used logic to protect society * 2nd Body * Greeks create the best understanding of rational outlook * Rational outlook is reason * 3rd Body * Romans adapt reason by adding virtues * 4th Body * Christians give a higher meaning to virtues * Get a higher understanding of reason * 5th Body * Humanists combine faith with reason * Conclusion Dustin Bowers Dr. Hart 1:00 PM Paper Assignment #3 Few things remain the same over time: people change, buildings disappear, and landscapes deteriorate. However, it is not only physical things that are changed by time. Ideas, languages, and entire cultures differ when compared to their beginning. Rational outlook changed over time, adapted by different cultures and their views. Jackson J. Spielvogel tells us rational outlook is unique to the west. Within the west, rational outlook is seen from the Hebrews through the Scientific Revolution, and changed due to the different norms and ideas of each culture. Rational outlook is analyzing a thought or situation, and adapting it to best fit a specific lifestyle. The Hebrews started the idea of rational outlook. They lived for many years without a definite political ruler, living under God’s law. God chose judges to rule instead of a...

Words: 1320 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Medi

...different levels of organizations, from sovereign states to companies and unincorporated associations. A treaty which establishes an international organization is also its constitution, in that it would define how that organization is constituted. Within states, a constitution defines the principles upon which the state is based, the procedure in which laws are made and by whom. Some constitutions, especially codified constitutions, also act as limiters of state power, by establishing lines which a state's rulers cannot cross, such as fundamental rights. An example is the constitution of the United States of America. George Washington at Constitutional Convention of 1787 signing of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution of India is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world,[2] containing 444 articles in 22 parts,[3][4] 12 schedules and 118 amendments, with 117,369 words in its English-language translation,[5] while the United States Constitution is the shortest written constitution, at 7 articles and 27 amendments, with 4,400 words.[6] Contents Etymology General features History and development Pre-modern constitutions Ancient Mesopotamia Antiquity Middle Ages Iroquois "Great Law of Peace" Modern constitutions Democratic constitutions Principles of constitutional design Governmental...

Words: 9424 - Pages: 38

Premium Essay

To What Extent Was Jefferson's Response To The Declaration Of Independence

...assured that all people were "created equal," and "endowed by their Creator" with the "unalienable Rights," of "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" (Miller Center of Public Affairs)2. If this was really true, then how could a man responsible for writing the sacred words "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal" believe in his own words and yet still own slaves? (Finkelman) . Jefferson states both his opposition to the institution and his belief in the racial inferiority of blacks. Jefferson concluded that blacks were originally from a distinct race, and that they were inferior to all whites. This result led Americans to accept the egalitarian ideas of the Declaration of Independence and racially based slavery. “All men, it would seem, were "endowed by their Creator" with natural rights, but because blacks were physically and mentally unequal, they were legitimately enslaved by whites. In a sense, the American Revolution made the scientific and racist defense of slavery necessary (Miller Center of Public Affairs) .” At the time of the American Revolution,...

Words: 666 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Federal Gov

...back scheme is about giving out contracts and then they give money of the government money back to the person to the beginning. c. Niccolo Machiavelli “The Prince” 15, 16 century and condemned by the Catholic Church. Nic and Machiavelli was used by shakespear and the Nick-name was derived from it. Use of the nick name was mostly used to disassociate from the vast amount of evil doing. 2) Political Philosophy and Political theory d. Asks normative as well as empirical question. i. Normative is about value such as the best form of government and justice ii. Empirical is more about factual such as the amount of states or colonies. 1. Aristottle 5th BC and teacher of natural law theory and about natural inequality. a. Very similar about the natural rights theory of John locke’s, written some time in the 1680s. This are the same as the one that Thomas Jefferson’s work in the Declaration of Independence. That by, nature have the right to have the same amount of equality of political rights. e. Karl Marx – founder of the ideal of the communism in Europe. Social democratic of the western Europe derive from the ideas of Marx. The Russian social democratic party. f. John Jack Rousseau – people in primitive society were better off morality than the one in the current because the current corrupt our hearts. g. Transperancy.org and surveys all countries of the world and rates...

Words: 4651 - Pages: 19

Free Essay

Federal Gov

...back scheme is about giving out contracts and then they give money of the government money back to the person to the beginning. c. Niccolo Machiavelli “The Prince” 15, 16 century and condemned by the Catholic Church. Nic and Machiavelli was used by shakespear and the Nick-name was derived from it. Use of the nick name was mostly used to disassociate from the vast amount of evil doing. 2) Political Philosophy and Political theory d. Asks normative as well as empirical question. i. Normative is about value such as the best form of government and justice ii. Empirical is more about factual such as the amount of states or colonies. 1. Aristottle 5th BC and teacher of natural law theory and about natural inequality. a. Very similar about the natural rights theory of John locke’s, written some time in the 1680s. This are the same as the one that Thomas Jefferson’s work in the Declaration of Independence. That by, nature have the right to have the same amount of equality of political rights. e. Karl Marx – founder of the ideal of the communism in Europe. Social democratic of the western Europe derive from the ideas of Marx. The Russian social democratic party. f. John Jack Rousseau – people in primitive society were better off morality than the one in the current because the current corrupt our hearts. g. Transperancy.org and surveys all countries of the world and rates...

Words: 4651 - Pages: 19

Premium Essay

U.S. History

...Notes * U.S. Diplomacy and Russia In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge addressed the issue of Russian war debts. The President noted that the United States was resuming diplomatic relations with nations that had been cut off during World War I. The Russians, however, presented a problem for Coolidge because their communist form of government opposed democracy. * Italy Italy was a democracy when World War I began in 1914. The country's army fought alongside Allied forces. Unfortunately, the war left the government and economy of Italy unstable and a fertile ground for revolutionaries. Decisions made at the Paris Peace Conference denied the large territorial gains the Italian government expected after the war. In 1921, Benito Mussolini founded the National Fascist Party and rose up as a revolutionary leader. * Fascism was based on a foundation of authoritarianism and nationalism. For Mussolini, the most important aspect of a nation or state was the unity and survival of that state. Mussolini rejected democracy because he thought different political views and political parties weakened the unity of the state. * Taking Fascism on the Road Fascists disagreed with the communist belief that private property and businesses should belong to the state. The Fascists also believed that the nationalism of a state must be aggressively exported to other countries. In other words, the Fascists maintained that a nation had a right to invade and conquer a weaker nation...

Words: 2821 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Vietnam

...initial deployment of troops into Vietnam. The fear of communism and developments of the policy of containment and the domino theory set the stage for the eventual escalation of the Vietnam Conflict into a war which would claim the lives of thousands of Americans. United States' involvement in Vietnam began as early as World War II, when American forces of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the precursor of the CIA, parachuted into the mountains in the northern region of Vietnam. Led by Major Allison Thomas, their mission, "Deer," was to rendezvous with and train a small group of Vietnamese soldiers that were fighting Japanese occupation troops, and were rescuing downed pilots, this group of Vietnamese were known as the Vietminh. This group of Vietnamese soldiers would soon be the communist leaders of North Vietnam, however, at the time American forces were not concerned that Ho Chi Minh and Vo Nguyen Giap were communists because America was still allied with the Soviet Union, a communist state, at that point during World War II (Westheider 2). The Vietminh under leadership of Ho Chi Minh and with training from American OSS forces were simultaneously fighting the Japanese, while at the same time gaining more political control over the greater area of northern Vietnam. Minh and Giap believed that the power vacuum created by the expulsion of the Japanese would give the Vietminh opportunity to seize control before the return of a French colonial presence in Vietnam. After the...

Words: 2511 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

What Were The Most Significant Differences Between Archaic Greece And The Golden Age?

...Greek city-states formed; with this brought different styles of government such as oligarchy, tyranny and democracy. This is also the era that Greeks started to develop personal freedoms and rights. In Athens free men were considered citizens that could vote. It was during the Archaic that the Greeks also started to develop artistic expression and thinking more about the ways the world around them functioned. During the Golden Age, Greeks fine-tuned their democratic government, Athens- which had been the most democratic city-state, expanded that role as it began to form alliances with other strategic communities. It was during the Golden Age...

Words: 1602 - Pages: 7