Roman Republic Debate

How Democratic Was the Roman Republic?

Panel Debate

Introduction

The laws and institutions created by the Roman Respublica created a system of government that would last for nearly 500 years. Was the Roman Republic meant to proctect all citizens of Rome, or only the Patrician class' interests? Are the Plebeians a rabble that should be trusted, or does each class have its proper place in society (rich and poor)?

Assignment

Using the links below, your ROMA book, textbook, or other resources argue your study group's assigned perspective for this debate.

⦿ How Democratic was the Roman Republic?

⦿ The Roman Republic (Debate Materials)

⦿ The Laws of the Twelve Tables

⦿ Laws Facing the Plebs and the Lex Hortensia

EVERYONE is expected to speak, and you will need to prepare arguments (either 10 bullet points or 1-2 paragraphs with 10 arguments) ahead of time, and those arguments must utilize source materials to add weight to your evidence.

After you have prepared your arguments, PRINT a copy of your arguments or turn in your hand-written notes.

Debate Perspectives

PATRICIANS -- The Laws and Institutions of Rome justifiably protect the Patrician Class, which is the only class of citizens who can be entrusted with the rule of government, and the Plebs cannot be trusted and do not deserve rights of citizenship or the protection of the Tribunes

PLEBEIANS -- The Laws and Institutions of Rome do not do enough to serve the Plebs but only serves to protect the selfish desires of the Patricians. Intermarriage, the Office of Tribune, and a system open to talent and not birth should be created and upheld to promote greater democracy of opportunity for all of Rome's citizens.

• Praetorians - PATRICIANS

• Thigh Men - PATRICIANS

• Complaint Tablet - PLEBEIANS

• Stosstruppen - PLEBEIANS

Questions open for debate:

  1. Were the rights and privileges of patricians and plebeians in the Roman Republic reflective of a genuinely inclusive democracy, or did they perpetuate an unjust social hierarchy?

  2. To what extent did the Roman Republic truly represent a democratic system, considering the stark class differences between the patricians and plebeians?

  3. How significant were the struggles of the plebeians in obtaining political and legal rights within the Roman Republic, and what impact did these struggles have on the democratization of Roman society?

  4. Did the establishment of the office of the tribune contribute substantially to the democratization of the Roman Republic, or did it merely serve as a tool for maintaining the status quo?

  5. To what extent did the power of the tribunes mitigate class conflicts in the Roman Republic, and how did their ability to veto decisions affect the balance of power within the government?

  6. Were the Twelve Tables, a cornerstone of Roman law, an effective instrument for bridging the gap between the patricians and plebeians in terms of legal rights and justice?

  7. How did the Lex Hortensia of 287 BC impact the Roman Republic's democratic structure and the influence of the plebeian assemblies in relation to the Senate?

  8. Were the various laws and reforms aimed at improving the plight of the plebeians in the Roman Republic sufficient to make it a true democracy, or were they merely superficial gestures?

  9. To what extent did the political and legal concessions made to the plebeians contribute to social cohesion and stability within the Roman Republic, and did they help maintain its longevity?

  10. How did the Roman Republic's treatment of non-citizen residents and slaves affect its claim to being a democratic society, given the stark inequalities and restrictions they faced?