Final answer:
In the Roman Republic, the equestrians, a minority group, gained control over the Senate and offices. The equestrians were wealthy families who supported the elites and received business concessions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Roman Republic, the equestrians, who were a minority, came to control the Senate and various offices. The equestrians were wealthy families who did not have the ancient lineages of the patricians and did not normally serve in public office. However, they benefited from the fact that senators were banned from engaging in commerce. As the business class, the equestrians supported the elites while receiving trade and mercantile concessions.