3 Branches of the Government in Republican Rome - Introduction:
From the Founding of Rome in c. 753 to c. 509 B.C., Rome was a monarchy, ruled by kings. In 509 B.C. (possibly), the Romans expelled their Etruscan kings and established the Republic. Having witnessed the problems of monarchy on their own land, and aristocracy and democracy among the Greeks, the Romans opted for a mixed form of government, with 3 branches of government.
Consuls - The Monarchical Branch of Roman Government in the Roman Republic:
2 magistrates called consuls carried on the functions of the former kings, holding supreme civil and military authority in Republican Rome. However, unlike the kings, the office of consul lasted for only 1 year. At the end of their year in office, the ex-consuls became senators for life.
Each consul could veto the other. Consuls led the army, served as judges, and had religious duties.
The one-year term and co-consulship were safeguards to prevent one of the consuls from wielding too much power. In times of war a single dictator could be appointed for a 6-month term.
Senate - The Aristocratic Branch of Roman Government in the Roman Republic:
Senate (senatus = council of elders [related to the word "senior"]) was the advisory branch of the Roman government, initially composed of about 300 citizens who served for life. The ranks of the Senate, drawn from ex-consuls and other officers, served for life.
Assembly - The Democratic Branch of Roman Government in the Roman Republic:
The Assembly of Centuries (comitia centuriata), which was composed of all members of the army, elected consuls annually. The Assembly of Tribes (comitia tributa), composed of all citizens, approved or rejected laws and decided issues of war and peace.
