Governing Rome

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is about the complex system of governance that underpinned the Ancient Roman Empire, detailing its evolution over centuries. It describes the early Roman Kingdom with monarchs at the helm, the subsequent Roman Republic characterized by elected officials and shared power, and finally, the Roman Empire, where power was centralized under an emperor. Key aspects like the roles of consuls, the senate, and the transition to a bureaucratic empire are outlined. The narrative also covers the political strife and public elections that were an integral part of Roman political life.

The worksheet is crafted to teach students about the nuances of Roman political structure and the historical progression from monarchy to republic and then to empire. It underscores the functions and powers of different roles within the Roman political system, the concept of checks and balances, and the significance of public forums and civic participation. Additionally, students are prompted to consider how Rome’s experience with different forms of governance influenced later concepts of citizenship and democratic principles. The resource also serves to highlight the impermanence of political systems and the lessons that can be drawn from their evolution.