Question

Which best compares the Patricians and the Plebeians in Roman society and the economy?

Question 1 options:

The Patricians and Plebeians were members of the same class, the only key difference is that Plebeians had to serve in the military for a set period of 5 years, while the Patricians were foreigners, so they did not have to serve in the military.


Patricians were the wealthiest individuals, owning the most land, holding political offices, while the plebeians were the middle and lower classes, owning small portions of land, operating small businesses and services, but not really reaping the benefits of their labor.


Patricians represented the citizen class of Rome, so they could vote and hold office, while the Plebeians were born in foreign nations so they had no rights in Roman society.

Answer 1

The Patricians were the wealthy elite, while the Plebeians were the middle and lower classes in Roman society and the economy. The Plebeians worked for greater rights and representation through the Struggle of the Orders. Despite legal concessions, the Plebeians still faced challenges due to the consolidation of land by the rich. Therefore the correct answer is Patricians were the wealthiest individuals, owning the most land, holding political offices, while the plebeians were the middle and lower classes, owning small portions of land, operating small businesses and services, but not really reaping the benefits of their labor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Patricians and Plebeians in Roman society and the economy can be compared based on their social status and economic positions. The Patricians were the wealthy aristocratic elite who owned the most land, held political offices, and enjoyed the most privileges. On the other hand, the Plebeians were the middle and lower classes, owning smaller portions of land, operating small businesses and services, but not reaping the benefits as the Patricians did.

Initially, the Plebeians did not have the same legal rights and status as the Patricians, but over time, they gained more legal concessions through the Struggle of the Orders. This allowed them to hold public office, pass laws, and sit in the Senate, though the rich Plebeians often sided with the Patricians, creating a Roman aristocracy. Despite these victories, the plebeians still faced challenges such as limited representation and worsening economic conditions due to land consolidation by the rich.

Overall, the Patricians held higher social and economic positions, while the Plebeians struggled for greater rights and representation in Roman society and the economy.