Influence of Ancient Rome
In contrast to the direct democracy practiced in ancient Greece, the city-state of Rome employed a system of governance called a representative democracy, which allowed citizens to elect representatives to speak on their behalf in governmental affairs (DeLorenzo, 2000; Independence Hall Association, 2014c). This is very different from a direct democracy, as a representative democracy does not require active participation of every citizen.
The Roman republic developed over time as Rome transitioned from a monarchy to democratic government. The Roman Senate was originally created as an advisory group to Roman kings; following the expulsion of corrupt kings from society, the Senate became the major governing body. Instead of a king, Senators elected two chief executives, called consuls. The Senate controlled Roman armies and was responsible for negotiating treaties with other governments, as well as financial matters of the empire (Independence Hall Association, 2014c).
In addition to being a democracy, Roman society was an example of an aristocracy. Society was divided into classes, with the patricians (upper class) leading the Senate and electing the consuls. The lower class, called plebeians, had no voice in government or legislation. After a long period of social struggle and uprising, plebeian men eventually gained the governmental rights of their patrician counterparts (Independence Hall Association, 2014c).
The Roman republic developed over time as Rome transitioned from a monarchy to democratic government. The Roman Senate was originally created as an advisory group to Roman kings; following the expulsion of corrupt kings from society, the Senate became the major governing body. Instead of a king, Senators elected two chief executives, called consuls. The Senate controlled Roman armies and was responsible for negotiating treaties with other governments, as well as financial matters of the empire (Independence Hall Association, 2014c).
In addition to being a democracy, Roman society was an example of an aristocracy. Society was divided into classes, with the patricians (upper class) leading the Senate and electing the consuls. The lower class, called plebeians, had no voice in government or legislation. After a long period of social struggle and uprising, plebeian men eventually gained the governmental rights of their patrician counterparts (Independence Hall Association, 2014c).