Rome had what type of government

They usually lived in grand houses and had slaves to do their work for them. Because they were citizens of Rome they were allowed to go to the Assembly to vote. Plebeians were not wealthy but they were citizens of Rome. They were usually craftsmen or tradesmen and they worked for a living.

Slaves had no money, no rights, no freedom and were not citizens of Rome. Because they were not citizens of Rome they were not allowed to go to the Assembly to vote. Patricians and Plebeians met in the Assembly and voted for consuls, tribunes and magistrates. Women and slaves were not allowed in the Assembly and could not vote. The citizens of Rome voted for two consuls. They were elected to serve for one year. It was the Consuls job to govern Rome. They had to both agree on all decisions.

After they had served their year they were replaced. They were not allowed to be consuls again for ten years. The citizens of Rome voted for a number of magistrates. For example, these men helped to control the marketplaces. Tribunes were elected to represent the people, particularly the plebeians.

Tribunes, like the magistrates, prefects, and even the senators, were elected by the Assembly, which was a group of people who represented each section of Rome. During the Republic, the Romans carved some of their more important laws into tablets, which became known as the Twelve Tables. Some of the laws may seem odd to us today, but they offer a great glimpse into everyday life during the Republic. Interestingly, as Rome branched out and conquered other lands, the captured people were then invited to become Roman citizens themselves.

They received all the rights of a person born in Rome and had equal voices within the Republic system. Sulla assumed the title of dictator, giving him full control of the people and signaling the fall of the Roman Republic.

Another leader, Julius Caesar, took control in 49 B. The Roman Empire kept the Senate and other positions in place, such as the consuls. However, the Emperor had ultimate control, and his word could not be denied, regardless of how his people felt or voted. Having full control of the army, it was nearly impossible for an Emperor to be overthrown.

The Roman Empire remained a powerful force for another years before beginning to decline. Following the rule of Constantine, the Empire fell early in the fifth century. Many historians mark as the year that the Empire ended and the Middle Ages began.