The Roman Constitution
1. The Three Key Elements of the Roman Government According to Polybius
Polybius describes the Roman government as comprising three key elements: the Consuls (executive), the Senate (deliberative), and the People (legislative). This tripartite system is successful because of its balance and checks and balances, so that no single element gains overwhelming power.
First is the Consuls. They basically represent the executive branch, with the authority to implement laws and command the army. Polybius discusses their role in providing swift, decisive leadership, particularly in times of war (Polybius 6.1112).
Then there is the Senate. This body acts as the deliberative branch, responsible for foreign policy, financial matters, and providing counsel. The Senate's wisdom and experience is such that it can be used for the sake of making sure that Roman society and government have stability...
They represent the legislative branch. They consist of the assemblies of the people who have the power to elect officials and pass laws. This element is there so that the citizenry has a say in the governance, which helps to legitimize the system (Polybius 6.1518).Polybius argues that this arrangement is successful because it combines the...
…welfare over individual gains (Polybius 6.5256; Livy, AUC 5.1923).These features when all combined with one another can be seen as helping to establish and maintain a clearly unique society that is capable of sustaining such a balanced constitution. The Roman emphasis on discipline, communal welfare, and a balanced government structure helped to provide support for its governance. It also contributed to Rome's expansion and longevity as a dominant power. Rome could sustain itself by virtue of the character of its people and its leaders and their good behavior, as well as the system and structure of government that Rome put in…
References
Livy, The Early History of RomePolybus, The Rise of the Roman Empire
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