How Roman Empire Different From The Roman Republic

Jerry Thorpe Mr. Berkowitz History 101 Exam #2 How Was The Roman Empire Different From The Roman Republic? Our modern idea about the words republic and imperial suggests that a republic is fair and upheld by a constitution or contract with its people; however, an imperial system is harsh, brutal and controlled by a tyrant. This perception of the words republic and empire does not necessarily pertain to ancient Rome. The differences between the Roman Empire and the Roman Republic reveal something much different. The transition of Rome from republic to empire changed everything, but stayed the same. The Roman Empire and the Roman Republic are different politically, and socially. The Roman Republic’s political system was based on a†¦show more content†¦Power was consolidated by moving power from the assemblies into the senate, packing the senate with supporters and having the senate elect the would-be emperor to positions for life. [2] The base of the Roman Republic’s political system was the Assemblies in which Roman males would pass laws, elect Magistrates, and perform ceremonial duties. They had the power to approve or disapprove the Senate’s policies. In the empire, Augustus became a perpetual Tribune. He alone had the power to approve or veto laws. The Republic’s Senate was the real source of policy and power. They were supposed to advise the Assemblies. The reason why they were so powerful is because they were elected for life and were the only body where debate was permitted. They also managed the finances.[3] The Imperial Senate was also elected for life. But their job was to advise the emperor. Augustus eventually had the imperial Senate dissolved. The executive powers of the republic were held by the magistrates elected from the assemblies. There were two Consuls who lead the armies, introduced legislation and were considered the head of the government. Other executive positions included the Praetors or judges, the Tribunes; whose job it was to prot ect the lower class from the higher class, and the Censors; whose job it was to take census and determine who senators were. The