roman geography and government

Roman Geography and Government

• Objectives:– SWBAT describe the geography of Rome and its impact on the

development of Rome– SWBAT describe the Roman social classes and their government

• Do Now:– What continent is the Roman Empire on?_____________________________________________

• Activity:– A Problem Has Come Up in Rome!– Roman Members of Society

• Assessment: – Exit Slip last slide

• Homework:– WHS The Roman Republic

Roman Empire

Rome

• Rome was a city-state in Italy (Rome is still a city).• Italy is a boot-shaped peninsula that is surrounded by

the Mediterranean Sea.• What is a peninsula?__________________________________________• How does the sea help Rome?__________________________________________• To the north of Rome are the Alps Mountains. • What did the mountains do for Rome?__________________________________________

A Problem Has Come Up!The people of Rome are demanding that laws

be written down for everyone to see. It is your job to develop a set of laws that

everyone in Rome should follow. You can create as many or as little laws as you

think necessary.But remember, these laws will be written down for everyone to see and you do not

want chaos in your Republic!Good luck!

Laws for Rome:

http://www.online-stopwatch.com/

What is a Republic?

• A republic is a form of government in which citizens chose their leaders by voting.

Who were plebeians in Roman Society?

• Plebeians were the craftspeople, merchants (traders), and farmers.

Who was able to vote in Rome?

• Adult males who were citizens were able to vote.

Who were patricians in Roman society?

• Patricians were the rich landowners.

Who were members of the assembly and what were they able to do?

• The members of the assembly were plebeians and they were able to pass laws.

• They pushed for laws to be written down.

Who were members of the Senate and what were they able to do?

• Patricians were members of the Senate and they helped run the government.

• There were 300 elected members of the Senate.

When was a dictator elected and when did he have to give up power?

• A dictator was elected by the Senate in times of war.

• He had to give up his power 6 months after he was elected.

How many consuls were elected?

What did consuls do?

• Consuls were elected officials who ran the government and the army.

• They had to agree on every decision made.• Consuls were elected every year.

What were the Twelve Tables and why are they important?

• The Twelve Tables were a set of laws that were carved onto twelve stone tablets

• They protected the Plebeians. • Romans believed that all citizens are equal under the law.

– Person is innocent until proven guilty – Person accused of a crime could defend themselves in front of

a judge– Judge is expected to think carefully before making a decision

• The Twelve Tables are important because we use these laws today

Exit Slip

• Describe Rome’s geography:

• What are the 12 Tables?

• What kind of Government did Rome have?