Final answer:
The patricians, or the Senate's ruling aristocracy, thought they were superior to the plebeians, who were common Roman citizens without patrician ancestry. This led to ongoing class struggles and attempts by plebeians to achieve equality in Roman society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Senate, comprised of the patricians, was the ruling class of ancient Rome. These aristocratic families believed they were superior to the plebeians, who were the common Roman citizens not from patrician backgrounds. Throughout much of Rome's history, the patricians held exclusive rights to high office and Senate positions. Patricians were characterized by their ancient lineage, wealth, and political influence. They often viewed themselves as the guardians of Roman tradition and sought to maintain their elite status over other classes, including plebeians and foreigners seeking political rights, such as during the cries of alarm when Emperor Claudius promoted some Gauls to senatorial status.
Throughout the Republic's history, there was an ongoing Struggle of the Orders as the plebeians sought equality with the patricians. Over time, although legal distinctions between patricians and plebeians lessened, the social and political clout remained largely with the patrician and wealthy plebeian elites, solidifying a broader Roman aristocracy with significant societal influence.