Final answer:
The government of the Roman Empire evolved from a monarchy to a republic, which was influenced by Christianity and led to a centralization of power. The Senate played a crucial administrative role, but over time, political power became concentrated in Rome. The society was divided into patricians and plebeians, and the latter fought for equality before the law.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Roman Empire, the government went through different phases. Initially, Rome was a monarchy, but after a rebellion against the monarchy, it became a republic. In this system, power was shared among elected magistrates, a Council of Elders called the Senate, and public assemblies. Over time, Christianity grew in influence, leading to changes in the culture and centralization of imperial power.
The government was a combination of written laws and political traditions. The Senate played an important administrative role, and elected officials often followed its advice. However, the wealthy classes had increasing control over the government, and political power was concentrated in the city of Rome.
Roman society was divided into patricians (the aristocratic elite) and plebeians (the common people), who struggled for equality before the law in what is known as the Struggle of the Orders.
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