Roman Social Structure and Government

Question 1

Social Class

Answer 1

A group that’s fairly similar in terms of wealth, education, power, and prestige within a society.

Question 2

Social Status

Answer 2

Someone’s importance within society when compared to others.

Question 3

Factors that historically have impacted social status

Answer 3

1. Wealth
2. Family/Heritage
3. Prestige/Fame
4. Race
5. Ethnicity
6. Gender/Sex

Question 4

Patricians

Answer 4

The wealthy, aristocratic class in Rome who held the majority of land and political power.

Question 5

Plebeians

Answer 5

Rome’s largest social class. The poor and working class in Rome who only held a small amount of land and originally had no political power but who did have some citizenship rights.

Question 6

Equestrians

Answer 6

The Roman “middle” class. Made up of individuals who were merchants, bankers, and military officers. Owned some wealth and land.

Question 7

Freed men

Answer 7

Former slaves who had gained their freedom but were not considered citizens of Rome.

Question 8

Structure of the Roman Republic

Answer 8

Government is centralized in Rome. Laws/rights are laid out in the Twelve Tables

Executive Branch - Run by two Consuls. These two commanded the army and could veto laws passed by the legislative branch. Also contains the Tribune, who was elected by the Plebeians and could also veto laws.

Legislative Branch - Created and voted on laws. Made up of two parts: The Senate, which was made up of elected Patricians, and the Assembly, which was made up of elected Plebeians.

Judicial Branch - Oversaw the courts and governed Roman provinces (or states). Run by a group known as Praetors who were elected by the people.

Question 9

Structure of the United States government

Answer 9

Government is divided into federal, state, and local levels. Rights and structure of government are laid out in the US Constitution.

Legislative Branch - Consists of Congress, which is broken up into two parts (Senate and House of Representatives). In charge of creating laws.

Executive Branch - Consists of multiple departments and agencies but is led by the President of the United States. Responsible for enforcing laws.

Judicial Branch - Consists of Courts, with the most important being the Supreme Court. Hears court cases and interprets laws.