Question

Which features of the roman government limited individual power? select the two correct answers.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

To limit individual power, the Roman Republic had consular term limits required mutual oversight between the two consuls, and established the Senate as an advisory body that also controlled state finances.

Step-by-step explanation:

Features of the Roman Government Limiting Individual Power:

The Roman government implemented several features to limit the power of individuals. Two significant measures were:

• Consular Term Limits and Mutual Oversight: The Centuriate Assembly elected two consuls each year with consular authority to oversee and enforce laws. However, consular power was limited by their one-year term and the expectation that each consul would check the other's power, preventing any single individual from gaining too much control.
• Senate as a Controlling Body: The Senate, comprised of aristocratic administrators, controlled state finances and acted as an advisory body, guiding the actions of the consuls. This aristocratic council provided a counterbalance to the consuls, ensuring that no single executive had absolute power.

These mechanisms helped maintain a balance of power and prevented the concentration of authority in the hands of a few. The inclusion of patricians and later plebeians in the political process also served to distribute power across different social classes.