Understanding the Pre-Republican Roman Senate

The video explores the Roman Senate's role during the pre-Republican era, highlighting its advisory capacity to the king and its significant influence in selecting new kings through the interrex. The interrex, a temporary position, had the power to nominate a new king, with the Senate's approval. The Senate's control over the selection process ensured their influence over the monarchy. Eventually, dissatisfaction with monarchical rule led to the Senate and Roman people overthrowing the kings, establishing the Senate as the central political authority in the Roman Republic.

What was the original purpose of the Roman Senate during the Roman Kingdom?

• To collect taxes

• To advise the king

• To enforce laws

• To lead military campaigns

What was the Senate's role in the early Roman political system?

• A council of elders

• A legislative body

• A military council

• A religious authority

What was the primary duty of the interrex?

• To lead the army

• To appoint a new king

• To collect taxes

• To rule for a lifetime

How long did an interrex hold power?

• 10 days

• 1 year

• 1 month

• 5 days

What was the final step in the process of selecting a new king?

• Approval by the Senate

• Public assembly vote

• Consultation with religious officials

• Military endorsement

Why was the role of religious officials considered a formality in the king selection process?

• Their decisions were often ignored

• They were not involved in the process

• The Senate and people had already approved the candidate

• They had no real power

What was the worst-case scenario for the Senate during the king selection process?

• A public uprising

• A new king refusing to cooperate

• A rejected candidate

• A war breaking out

Why did kings often defer to the Senate's advice?

• The Senate had military power

• The Senate had more wealth

• The Senate controlled the selection process

• The Senate was more popular

What led to the end of the monarchy in Rome?

• A foreign invasion

• The Senate and people rising up

• Economic collapse

• A natural disaster

How long did the Senate remain at the political heart of Rome after the monarchy?

• 250 years

• 100 years

• 500 years

• 750 years