The Ancient Roman civilization has had a significant impact on Western culture, including government and law. Teaching students about Ancient Roman government can help them understand the origins of modern Western political systems and the importance of civic engagement.
The Ancient Roman Republic was established in 509 BC with the overthrow of the Roman monarchy. The government system consisted of two consuls, who were elected every year and acted as co-executives of the state. They were responsible for leading the military and enforcing the laws.
In addition to the consuls, the Roman Republic had a Senate, which was composed of 300 members who served for life. The Senators were responsible for advising the consuls and passing laws.
One of the most important aspects of Ancient Roman government was the concept of citizenship. Roman citizens had the right to vote, hold public office, and receive a fair trial. However, citizenship was limited to free-born men who were Roman residents.
Teaching students about Ancient Roman government can also include discussions about the Roman Empire, which began in 27 BC with the reign of Augustus. The Roman Empire was ruled by an emperor who had complete control over the government and military. However, the empire still had a Senate, which served as an advisory body to the emperor.
The Roman legal system was also influential in Western culture. The Twelve Tables, the first written law code of Ancient Rome, established the idea of equal treatment under the law and the presumption of innocence. The principle of “innocent until proven guilty” is still an important tenet of Western legal systems today.
To teach students about Ancient Roman government, educators can use a variety of resources, including textbooks, primary sources such as the writings of Julius Caesar and Cicero, and visual aids such as maps and diagrams. An interactive approach, such as reenacting the Roman Senate or holding debates on Roman political issues, can also engage students and help them understand the complexity of Ancient Roman government.
