Final answer:
One consul in the Roman Republic could be elevated to the position of dictator during times of emergency, commanding significant authority to address the crisis before stepping down.
Step-by-step explanation:
One consul could be elevated to dictator in times of emergency. In the Roman Republic, during a major crisis, the Centuriate Assembly had the authority to appoint a dictator. This individual was granted full imperium, accompanied symbolically by all twenty-four lictors, to utilize vast powers with the sole mission of saving Rome from the imminent threat. The role of the dictator was critical and yet temporary, intended to return the state to normalcy after the crisis was averted. The position ensured that the Republic could respond swiftly and effectively in emergencies without long-term disruptions to the political system.