Final answer:
The Senate held the political power not assigned to the consuls or the dictator in the Roman Republic. They managed state finances and foreign policy, maintaining a balance of power within the complex political system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Senate controlled the political power not given to the consuls or the dictator in the Roman Republic. This governing body, comprised most prominently of patricians and later including plebeians, had significant influence over finances and administration of the state. While the consuls and dictator could wield immense power, known as imperium, the Senate's role in overseeing state finances and foreign policy made it a powerful and stabilizing force within the Roman political system.
During times of crisis, a dictator could be appointed with almost-unlimited power to lead and protect the Republic, but this was meant to be a temporary measure. Although the dictator was expected to step down after the crisis, the Senate continued to function as a body of aristocratic administrators, maintaining a balance of power within the government, whether through its financial control or its advisory role to both consuls and dictator.