Quiz on the Roman and English Law Enforcement Systems

During a history class, Aria asked her classmates, who established the Roman system of Vigiles?

• Nero

• Emperor Augustus

• Constantine

• Julius Caesar

Answer explanation

The Roman system of Vigiles, responsible for fire-fighting and maintaining order, was established by Emperor Augustus to improve urban safety and security in Rome after the great fire of 6 AD.

During a history class, Hannah learned about the Vigiles in ancient Rome. What was the original purpose of the Vigiles in Rome?

• Tax collection

• Firefighting

• Law enforcement

• Public health

Answer explanation

The Vigiles were originally established in ancient Rome primarily for firefighting. They served to protect the city from fires, which were a significant risk due to the densely packed wooden buildings.

In a small town, what was the role of Shire Reeves in the system established by Alfred the Great?

• To lead military campaigns

• To collect taxes

• To maintain law and order

• To serve as judges

Answer explanation

Shire Reeves were responsible for maintaining law and order in the local communities under the system established by Alfred the Great, ensuring justice and peace were upheld.

In a history class, Isla learned about the Statute of Winchester. What was this statute primarily responsible for?

• Establishing the first police force

• Implementing trial by ordeal

• Formalizing the tithing system

• Creating the role of Justices of the Peace

Answer explanation

The Statute of Winchester formalized the tithing system, which organized communities into groups responsible for local law enforcement, rather than establishing a police force or creating Justices of the Peace.

In a small town in England, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the community faced challenges in maintaining order. What was a significant consequence of this historical event on law enforcement in the town?

• Establishment of a centralized police force

• Increased individual responsibility for justice

• Creation of the Vigiles system

• Introduction of trial by jury

Answer explanation

The fall of the Roman Empire led to a breakdown of centralized authority, resulting in increased individual responsibility for justice as communities had to manage their own law enforcement and conflict resolution.

In the early 19th century, Luna and her friends often heard stories about the Bow Street Runners, a group known for their unique role in society. What was the primary function of the Bow Street Runners?

• To collect taxes

• To apprehend criminals

• To maintain public health

• To serve as judges

Answer explanation

The Bow Street Runners were established in the 18th century primarily to apprehend criminals, making them one of the first professional police forces in London, focusing on law enforcement rather than tax collection or judicial duties.

During a school event, Zoe witnessed a situation where a constable was trying to apprehend a suspect. What was the punishment for failing to assist the constable during the Hue and Cry?

• Community service

• Imprisonment

• Fines

• Trial as an associate of the criminal

Answer explanation

Failing to assist a constable during the Hue and Cry was considered a serious offense, leading to a trial as an associate of the criminal, as it implied complicity in the crime.

Aiden was appointed as a Justice of the Peace in 1326. What was his role?

• To oversee local trials

• To enforce tax laws

• To manage public health

• To lead military forces

Answer explanation

Justices of the Peace, first appointed in 1326, were primarily responsible for overseeing local trials, ensuring justice was administered at the community level.

How were the members of the Vigiles viewed by the public in ancient Rome?

• As state-sponsored spies

• As law-abiding citizens

• As community leaders

• As heroes

Answer explanation

The Vigiles were often seen as state-sponsored spies due to their role in monitoring the public and enforcing laws, which led to a perception of them as tools of the government rather than community protectors.

In a small village, Mia is tasked with organizing the families into groups for a community project. She decides to use a system similar to the tithing system established by Alfred the Great. How many families should Mia group together in each tithing?

• Twenty families per tithing

• Five families per tithing

• Fifteen families per tithing

• Ten families per tithing

Answer explanation

Alfred the Great established a tithing system where each tithing consisted of ten families. This structure was designed to promote local responsibility and community support in governance and law enforcement.