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Ancient History Sourcebook:
The Roman Republic: Checks and Balances

American System -- based on balance of powers/functions

Executive	Legislative	Judicial
President	Congress	Supreme Court

Note: The only legitimate interest is that of the people

Roman System -- based on balance of interests

Monarchical	Aristocratic	Democratic
2 Consuls + other magistrates	Senate	Assembly of Tribes Tribune
Directed government and army Acted as judges Could issue edicts Acted as chief priest	Controlled state budget Could pass laws	Approved/rejected laws Decided on War Tribune could veto actions of magistrate Acted as final court
Basis of power: possess imperium, the right to rule need for leadership	Basis of power: members were richest men in Rome.	Basis of power: provided most of the soldiers
Limits on power: one year term each could veto	Limits on power: could not control army needed majority as soldiers.	Limits on power: Could not suggest laws often paid as clients by the elite

Source:

Chart by Paul Halsall

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© Paul Halsall, August 2000
halsall@fordham.edu