Ancient Rome had numerous elected offices. Elected officials were called
magistrates, but there are many levels and titles within the office of
magistrate.
Positions of Roman Republic included (from highest rank to lowest):
- Dictator
- Consul
- Praetor
- Censor
- Aediles
- Quaestor
- Tribune of the People
The Dictator only ruled in times of crisis for a maximum of six months.
However, within those six months he had supreme kingly power in place of the
constitution (similar to our own Martial Law). The Dictator oversaw all
magistrate offices and duties during the crisis and was expected to resign from
the position at the end of the crisis.
Two Consuls were elected every year to oversee and act as the ultimate judgment
in civil and military matters. To prevent a Consul from seizing all power
completely, the two Consuls shared power, taking turns acting as the supreme
Consul throughout the year.
Praetors acted as judge and presided over the courts and civil law.
Censors were elected every five years to complete the census of the republic.
Their terms last 1.5 years.
The Curule Aedile and Plebeian Aedile oversaw all public works. At
least two had to be of the common class (Plebians) and the other two could be
from any class.
The Quaestor oversaw public finances and taxation.
The Tribune of the People was an elected body of Plebians that could propose
laws, veto acts by higher magistrates, and preside over councils. They were
meant to protect the interests of the common people.
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