Final answer:
The Romans had two consuls to prevent the abuse of power and tyranny, with each consul having the ability to check the power of the other. This system was part of a larger structure designed to balance governmental power and maintain accountability.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Romans insisted on having two consuls at the same time to prevent the abuse of power and ensure a check against tyranny. Each consul held power for only one year and could hold the other in check if necessary. This system of dual consuls was a core feature of the Roman Republic, with the consuls sharing the power of imperium, including judicial authority and command of the military. The power vested in the consuls, however, was balanced by the Senate, a body of aristocratic administrators responsible for state finances and, eventually, influential in legislation.
The historical context of Roman governance shows that their system was designed to mitigate the risks associated with centralized power, which could lead to tyranny. This resulted in a form of government where Roman officials like the consuls, praetors, and later, emperors, were given a framework to operate within that was, in theory, accountable to the structures of the Republic and later the Empire.