Final answer:
The main difference between patricians and plebeians was in the initial political rights and societal status; patricians were the elite ruling class while plebeians were commoners with limited access to power, a divide that lessened over time as plebeians gained political rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
One major difference between the patricians and the plebeians in Roman society was their status and access to political power. Patricians were the aristocratic elite who could hold public office and were initially the only ones allowed to sit in the Senate. In contrast, plebeians were the common people who historically had limited access to political rights. Over time, plebeians fought for and gained significant rights, including the ability to pass laws, serve as elected officials, and sit in the Senate, effectively reducing the gap between themselves and the patricians.
Despite these legislative changes, economic disparities persisted and wealthy plebeians often aligned with patricians, forming a new Roman aristocracy. This alignment often overshadowed the plebeians' legal victories as political power remained concentrated in the hands of the wealthy. Furthermore, most state offices did not pay salaries, thus continuing to restrict access to those with sufficient personal wealth.