Final answer:
The Roman consuls had limits on their power, which were imposed by the senate and the fact that their terms were one year long. The Twelve Tables were a significant development in Roman law, making laws publicly available and reducing corruption. Hannibal's attack on Rome was daring and different due to his innovative military strategies. The success of the Roman Republic can be attributed to both its form of government and its army.
Step-by-step explanation:
Limits on the power of the Roman consuls:
The Roman consuls, who were elected each year to oversee the laws, had almost unlimited power known as imperium. However, their authority was limited by the fact that their terms were only one year long and they were expected to hold each other in check if necessary. Additionally, the senate, a body of aristocratic administrators, grew in power and could propose legislation and veto the consuls' decisions. The senate also had control over state finances, giving them significant influence over the government's actions.
Significance of the Twelve Tables:
The Twelve Tables were a set of laws written down in 451 BCE and made publicly available in the Roman Forum. These tables made the laws accessible to all citizens and reduced the chances of corruption by having them publicly displayed. The idea was inspired by the laws of Solon of Athens and helped ensure that legal decisions would not always favor the patricians, who had a monopoly on legal proceedings.
Hannibal's daring attack on Rome:
Hannibal's attack on Rome during the Second Punic War was daring and different because instead of engaging the Romans directly, he used innovative military strategies. He led his army, including war elephants, on a treacherous march through the Alps, catching the Romans off guard. Hannibal's attack posed a significant threat to Rome and it took the Romans several years to defeat him.
Success of the Roman Republic:
The success of the Roman Republic can be attributed to both its form of government and its army. The republic's government combined elements of democracy, aristocracy, and monarchy, providing a balance of power. The Roman army, composed of citizen-soldiers, played a crucial role in expanding Roman territory. However, over time, the military system declined, with a shift towards career soldiers loyal to specific generals. Ultimately, the success of the Roman Republic relied on the combination of a well-structured government and a strong military.