Struggle of the orders

Definition

The struggle of the orders was a political conflict in ancient Rome between the patricians, who were the elite ruling class, and the plebeians, who were the commoners. This struggle sought to address the social inequalities and political power imbalances between these two groups, leading to significant reforms in the Roman Republic's governance structure. Over time, this conflict resulted in important political rights for plebeians, impacting how the Roman Assemblies functioned and shifted the balance of power within the government.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The struggle of the orders began in 494 BCE when plebeians first organized a secession to demand political reforms.
2. One of the key outcomes was the establishment of the office of tribune in 494 BCE, allowing plebeians to have direct representation in government.
3. The Conflict led to the creation of the Twelve Tables around 450 BCE, which codified Roman law and established legal protections for all citizens.
4. Over time, plebeians gained significant political power, culminating in the Lex Hortensia in 287 BCE, which made plebiscites binding on all citizens.
5. This struggle fundamentally changed Roman governance by ensuring that political representation was no longer exclusive to patricians.

Review Questions

• How did the struggle of the orders influence the structure of Roman government?
  • The struggle of the orders significantly influenced Roman government by pushing for reforms that allowed plebeians to gain political representation. The establishment of tribunes as representatives for plebeians marked a shift towards a more inclusive government structure. This conflict ultimately led to a balanced system where both patricians and plebeians had a role in governance, changing how laws were created and enforced in Rome.
• Discuss how the outcomes of the struggle of the orders impacted the functioning of Roman Assemblies.
  • The outcomes of the struggle of the orders transformed Roman Assemblies by enhancing plebeian participation and ensuring that their voices were heard. With tribunes having veto power, plebeians could effectively challenge decisions made by patricians in assemblies. This resulted in a more democratic process within these assemblies as laws passed by plebiscites became binding for all citizens, increasing their legislative power and influence.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of the struggle of the orders on Roman society and its legacy in later democratic systems.
  • The long-term significance of the struggle of the orders lies in its foundational role in establishing principles of representation and rights for common citizens. By addressing social inequalities, it laid groundwork for future democratic practices where different classes could participate in governance. The principles forged during this conflict resonate in modern democratic systems that value representation and protect minority rights, showcasing how ancient struggles still influence contemporary political thought.

Related terms

Patricians:

The aristocratic class in ancient Rome, who held most of the political power and social privileges.

Plebeians:

The common people of ancient Rome, who fought for greater political representation and rights through the struggle of the orders.

Tribunes:

Elected representatives of the plebeians in Rome, who had the power to veto decisions made by the Senate and protect the interests of the common people.