After Learning About The Rise Of Roman Civilization Chapter

After Learning About The Rise Of Roman Civilization Chapter 5 Lecture

After learning about the rise of Roman civilization (Chapter 5 lecture), answer the following question. Follow the directions carefully in order to receive full credit. Chapter 5 Lecture Question: In my lecture, we discussed the establishment of a republican government for the Romans. If you were living in ancient times, would you have preferred to live under Athenian democracy or the Roman republican government? Directions for Answering the Question: Using information from the lecture, Briefly define a republic and identify when it was first established by the Romans. Identify the various political offices and groups of the Roman republic and explain which class/es of Romans could serve in those offices and groups. Make sure to include the political offices/groups that were added later to make political power more equal in society. Note which type of government you would have preferred to live under. You must choose one type of government- Roman republicanism or Athenian democracy. Explain why you would have preferred that type of government using specific information and examples from the lecture. This question is specifically asking you about governments. Although you may also consider non-government topics like baths and religion, the focus of your answer should be on why you prefer one of the two governments. You may need to refer back to the Chapter 3 lecture to jog your memory about Athenian democracy and you are permitted to use information from that lecture in this answer. Important Rules for all Lecture Questions: Only use information from the lecture to answer the question. These questions are intended to check that you watched and understood the lecture. If you use information from an outside source/s, your assignment will receive a zero. Fully explain your statements and include specific examples from the lecture. Explain all information in your own words. Do not quote or copy and paste from the lecture or my PowerPoint. Doing so will earn your assignment a zero. Use good grammar, including complete sentences and correct punctuation. You may use bullet points, but the information you write out beside those bullet points should be complete sentences, not single words or sentence fragments.

Paper For Above instruction

The development of governments in ancient civilizations reflects the evolving needs for political organization and societal control. Specifically, the Roman republican government and the Athenian democracy represent two distinct forms of governance, each with unique features and societal implications. As a student living in ancient times, the choice between these two systems would significantly influence daily life, political participation, and societal structure. Based on the lecture, I will define a republic, explore Roman political structures, and explain my preferred government based on their characteristics.

Definition of a Republic and Its Establishment by Rome

A republic is a form of government in which power resides with the citizens who elect representatives to govern on their behalf. This system emphasizes rule by law and the protection of individual rights, with officials accountable to the populace. According to the lecture, the Roman Republic was established around 509 BCE after the overthrow of the Roman Monarchy. This transition marked the beginning of a system where elected officials, rather than monarchs, held power, and the republic was designed to prevent any single individual from wielding excessive authority.

Political Offices and Classes in the Roman Republic

The Roman republic was characterized by several key political offices and governing groups that structured political participation. The Senate, composed mainly of aristocrats, was the most influential body, advising consuls and shaping policy. The Consuls, elected annually, served as the chief executives, commanding armies and overseeing government functions. The Assembly of centuries and tribes were also critical, with citizens participating directly in legislative decisions, especially in voting on laws and war declarations.

Initially, political participation was largely limited to the patrician, or aristocratic, class, who held most of the office-bearing positions. Over time, efforts were made to include other classes, notably the plebeians. This inclusiveness was achieved through reforms such as the creation of the Office of the Tribune of the Plebs, which allowed common citizens to veto decisions harmful to their interests. Later, the Lex Hortensia of 287 BCE granted decisions made by the Plebeian Council binding power over all citizens, further democratizing political influence.

Why I Would Prefer the Roman Republican Government

Given a choice in ancient times, I would prefer to live under the Roman republican government rather than Athenian democracy. The Roman system provided a balanced structure with various offices and checks and balances, which aimed to prevent any individual or group from gaining too much power. The inclusion of different classes and the reforms to broaden political participation suggest a movement toward a more inclusive and stable governance. Conversely, Athenian democracy, while participatory, often involved direct rule by a large portion of the population in decision-making, which could be chaotic and potentially susceptible to populism or demagoguery. I believe the Roman Republic's representative system would offer more stability and protections for individual rights. Moreover, the Roman emphasis on law and institutional roles provides a clearer, more organized approach to governance, aligning with contemporary values of rule of law and balanced power.

Conclusion

Overall, the Roman republic's structure, with its system of checks and balances, inclusion reforms, and emphasis on law, presents a compelling model of governance. Although Athenian democracy fostered direct participation, the stability and structured representation of the Roman system make it the preferable form for me, ensuring governance that is both participative and balanced, minimizing chaos and tyranny.

References

• Flower, H. (2010). Roman Republics. Princeton University Press.
• Gordon, A. (2007). The Caesars: The Rise of Roman Empire. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Millar, F. (2002). The Crowd in Rome in the Late Republic. University of Michigan Press.
• North, J. (2014). The Roman Republic and its Political Structure. Oxford University Press.
• Samons, L. (2004). Persuasion and Dissent in Roman Politics. Harvard University Press.
• Sherwin-White, S. (2018). The Roman Republic. Routledge.
• Lintott, A. (1999). The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford University Press.
• Forsythe, G. (2006). The Roman Republic. University of California Press.
• Taylor, L. (2012). Roman Political Culture. Cambridge University Press.
• Flower, H. (2012). The Roman Republic: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.