Roman Government

Which one of the following statements would not represent the characteristics of the Roman republic?

• Senators debated on issues and proposed laws to the Consul

• Dictator ruled with absolute power and control

• Citizens elected Patricians to positions in the Senate

• Only males were members of the positions in the government

Use the information in the list to answer the question.

Social Classes in Ancient Rome

• Patrician • Plebian • Slave

How were patricians different from other social classes in Ancient Rome?

• Patricians had the poorest living conditions.

• Patricians were prohibited from becoming citizens

• Patricians came from a different country and belonged to a different culture.

• Patricians owned most of the land and held most of the political positions.

The Council of Plebs had which function in the Roman Republic?

• It protected the rights of the common people.

• It shared lawmaking power with the consuls.

• It chose the plebeian members of the Senate.

• It ran the local government in Roman colonies.

Which of the following describes methods taken to keep any one branch of government from becoming stronger?

• civic duty
• participation
• checks and balances
• Roman law

How was the Roman Empire different from the Roman Republic?

• Only elected positions were held under the Empire.

• In the Empire, only patricians had the right to occupy public offices.

• The Empire was run by a single dictator for life instead of by two elected consuls.

• The Empire focused on protection of its borders rather than on expansion.

The Decline of the Roman Empire

Historians debate why the Roman Empire came to an end. They explain it could have been due to weak emperors, plagues and disease, or lack of government participation by the people. Weak emperors could have caused political confusion. Plagues and diseases spread among some parts of the population. Less participation in government by the upper classes in political and economic decisions may have meant they were becoming lazy and more interested in relaxation or leisure. The empire was strongest when people were making great achievements in art, architecture, math and science. Near the end of the Roman Empire, these intellectual thoughts had diminished.

Which statement does NOT explain a major reasoning for the fall of Rome?

• A civilization can thrive with great achievements

• A lack of participation in government

• Plagues or disease can weaken a civilization

• Weak emperors can cause political confusion