A History of Western Society: Printed Page 128

A History of Western Society, Value Edition: Printed Page 121

A History of Western Society, Concise Edition: Printed Page 129

The Roman Republic FOCUS QUESTION What were the key institutions of the Roman Republic?

Page 128

Along with citizenship, the republican government was another important institution of Roman political life. Unlike the Greeks, the Romans rarely speculated on the ideal state or on political forms. Instead they created institutions, magistracies, and legal concepts to deal with practical problems and govern their ever-expanding state. These institutions were not static, but changed over time to allow a broader access to power and address new problems.