Final answer:
In the Roman government, the power of individuals was limited by the short term of consulate, shared authority between two consuls who could check each other's power, and a Senate that had control over state finances and could counterbalance the consuls' authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Roman government incorporated several features to limit individual power and prevent the emergence of any single ruler. The most prominent mechanisms were the election of two consuls and the establishment of the Senate.
Each year, the Centuriate Assembly elected two consuls, who had significant power, including the authority to enforce the laws and inflict the death penalty. However, their power was limited in two key ways. Firstly, the terms of consuls were only one year long, which prevented any individual from consolidating power indefinitely. Secondly, each consul was expected to hold the other in check, ensuring that they could act as a balance to each other's authority.
The Senate also played a critical role as a large body of aristocratic administrators who controlled state finances and provided a counterbalance to the consuls. It was composed of members who often came from influential families, allowing for a degree of aristocratic oversight and influence over governmental decisions.