Roman Republic: Government Mini- Sim Task: Students will imagine themselves to be a ci4zen in the Roman Republic. They have some power, depending on which sec4on of government they represent. They must make decision in the best interest of those they represent, obey the will of the people, keep the rich happy, and s4ll save Rome from self- destruc4on. You will be presented with four major problems facing the Republic and pose poten4al solu4ons.
Roles in the Roman Republic Consul Senate Comi9a Centuriata (Century Assembly) Comi9a Tributa (Tribal Assembly) Concilium Plebis (Plebian Council) The Consul was two elected rulers for a one year term. These consuls were elected by a group of ordinary ci9zens known as an assembly, and the consuls were given advice by a group of rich people known as the Senate. The two consuls were also called Chief Magistrates of State; both had the power to veto (La9n for I forbid ) each other in important decisions The Senate was the only permanent governing body in the Roman Republic and had by far the greatest social pres9ge. The Senate was made up of a council of men who controlled all finances, foreign affairs and state administra9on. Senators controlled most land and were chosen for life. The Senate also advised the consuls. Senators were the most experienced poli9cians- usually re9red quaestors (elected offical who administrated finances of the state treasury). The Century Assembly was comprised of soldiers who were divided into blocs called centuries. Membership in this assembly was based on soldier s wealth and ownership of land and was very aristocra9c. Each century gets one vote before the assembly. The Tribal Assembly was made of wealthy ci6zens (patricians) who were divided into blocs called tribes. Each tribe gets one vote in the assembly. Patricians also voted for consuls and their assembly (Senate) could decide on laws. Re6red patricians usually became senators. The Plebian Council was comprised of only plebians. This assembly was presided over by a plebian tribune. The tribune became the interpreter of the people s wishes. The tribune can veto any act of the Comi=a Centuriata, Comi=a Tributa, Concilium Plebis or the Senate. AAer 287 BCE, any act passed by this council would apply to all of the Senate and the People of Rome.
Problem 1. Slaves are replacing Roman workers Slaves are brought back from each conquered land. These slaves are assigned jobs working for much less than any free Roman can. These slaves are pu>ng free ci?zens, who are laborers and small farmers, out of work. Poor Romans are starving to death. What should be done?
Proposed Solu,ons
What actually happened in Roman Republic: Solu%on 1: The Romans never permanently solved this problem. At various %mes, they tried land reform (giving land to poor Romans), freeing the slaves (they would then conquer another territory and get more slaves), and price controls. They even had a welfare program. Nothing worked for long.
Problem 2. Rome needs tax money. The government needs to pay the legions, build roads, sewers, aqueducts, arenas, and pay for the welfare program in Rome. To get this tax money, Rome uses "tax farmers" or "tax collectors". Tax Collectors are Romans who pay a flat fee to the Roman Republic for the privilege of collec8ng taxes from a territory. To recoup these monies, tax farmers then levy a tax against every ci8zen in their territory. Tax collectors expect to make a profit, as they are in the business of tax collec8on. This is understood.
Each group will be assigned a "TAX COLLECTOR". The TAX COLLECTOR has just paid the equivalent of $10,000 into the government, and are now allowed to collect taxes from the rest of the class, to pay themselves back and make a profit. As a TAX FARMER (tax collector), you have soldiers to help you collect from the rest of the class, and you can decide how much to tax each person your group.
NOW: The Republic has just informed you that your tax money is now going to pay for a new road in Gaul (far from Rome), and a new Temple in the city of Rome itself. Questions to consider: - Will you still pay the tax? - How should taxes be collected if people do not pay? - What if tax collectors become greedy? - What if tax collectors do not charge their friends? - What if people cannot pay the tax? NOTE: * The people that couldn't pay were to be seized, sold as slaves, and their property confiscated.
Problem 2. Rome needs tax money. Therefore, under this system of tax farmers, there are many abuses, as the government cannot control how each tax farmer runs their individual business. Ques<on: How can we stop the abuses while s<ll con<nuing to get the tax money we need to run the Republic?
Proposed Solu,ons
What actually happened in Roman Republic: Solu%on 2: This problem was not solved while the Republic existed. The emperors solved this problem by not allowing tax collectors to make a profit. The emperors taxed the rich and merchant classes, while giving to the poorer Romans.
Problem 3 Under the Republic, rich officials use their posi5ons to get elected. To get elected, some people are buying votes. The poor are quite happy to sell their votes to the highest bidder. Under this system, many people are elected who are poor governors. Gra? and corrup5on are rampant. How can we ensure good government for Rome?
Proposed Solu,ons
What actually happened in Roman Republic: Solu%on 3: This problem was not solved while the Republic existed. When the Empire began, vo%ng became unimportant and soon vanished.
Problem 4. Under the Republic, Rome did not have a police force. Wealthy Romans hired guards, and even built private armies. During elec<ons, these private armies o=en clash, which is crea<ng havoc on the streets and unsafe condi<ons for innocent bystanders. At all <mes, Rome's streets are not safe for ci<zens a=er dark. How can we solve this problem?
Proposed Solu,ons
What actually happened in Roman Republic: Solu%on 4: This problem was not solved under the Republic. When the Empire began, the emperors banned private armies, and incorporated these armies into the legion. A police force was created to stop crime. Rome's streets became much safer, but never safe enough to travel alone.
Discussion and Debrief 1. Based on the workings of the Roman Republic and the problems that emerged, what conclusions can you draw about the effec%veness of the republic? 2. Do you think the failure to solve problems of the Republic were because of the government system of the republic? Why or why not? 3. What improvements could be made to the Roman Republic? 4. Would an empire or monarchy be a beker poli%cal framework for Ancient Rome? Why or why not?