The Roman Republic: Lesson 2

​Main ideas

1. Roman government was made up of three parts that worked together to run the city.

2. Roman life was shaped by laws, government, and social order.

3. Written laws helped keep order in Rome.

4. The late republic period saw the growth of territory and trade.

5. Rome expanded its territory by conquering other lands.

Multiple Choice

Roman government was made up of ____________parts that worked together to run the city.

• one

• two

• three

• four

​ROMAN GOVERNMENT

During the 400s BC, so the plebeians did not overthrow the government, the patricians created positions for them. A three-part, or tripartite, government was formed. First, there were elected officials, or magistrates. The two most powerful magistrates were consuls. The second part was the Roman Senate, a council of wealthy and powerful Romans that advised leaders.

Open Ended

Describe the Roman Senate.

​The third part was assemblies and tribunes. The assemblies’ primary job was to elect magistrates. The tribunes governed by majority rule, so the group with the most members made the decisions. They could veto, or prohibit, government actions. Veto means “I forbid” in Latin, the Romans’ language. Checks and balances kept any part from being too powerful.

Multiple Choice

Veto means “I forbid” in ____________, the Romans’ language.

• Spanish

• Greek

• English

• Latin

Open Ended

What was the purpose for having checks and balances?

​WRITTEN LAWS KEEP ORDER

​

Rome’s officials followed the rule of law, the belief that all people must follow set rules. In 450 BC, Rome’s law code was written on twelve tablets and displayed in the Forum, Rome’s public meeting place. The Law of the Twelve Tables became the basis of Roman law.

Multiple Choice

The Law of the ___________ Tables became the basis of Roman law, and it was displayed in the Forum.

• 10

• 12

• 15

• 20

​LiFE IN ANCIENT ROME

​

Women in ancient Rome ran the household and took care of children. Children played games and had pets. Generally, only the children in rich families went to school. The Roman Forum was the heart of Rome. Government buildings and temples were there.

Open Ended

What kind of buildings were in the Roman Forum?

​GROWTH OF TERRITORY AND TRADE

​

Roman territory grew as the Romans fought off attacks. Rome’s soldiers were organized into legions, or groups of up to 6,000 men. The army could fight together or break up into smaller groups. This contributed to Rome’s success. Trade grew around Rome. Rome coined copper and silver money, which was used in the region.

​ROME GROWS BEYOND ITALY

​

The Roman army fought the Punic Wars with Carthage, the capital of a Phoenician civilization. Carthage’s brilliant general Hannibal led an attack, but Rome conquered Carthage. It also took over Gaul, Greece, and parts of Asia. The Romans adopted much of the Greek culture.

Open Ended

How did the Romans benefit from conquering Greece?