ahencyclopedia: ROMAN GOVERNMENT:  WESTERN Civilization is forever indebted to the peopl

ahencyclopedia:

ROMAN GOVERNMENT: 

WESTERN Civilization is forever indebted to the people of ancient GreeceandRome. Among the numerous contributions these societies made are in the fields of art, literatureandphilosophy; however, perhaps their greatest gift to future generations was the modern perception of government. 

The contemporary idea of democracy, while borne out of the political struggles in the cityof Athens, came to fruition in the Roman Republic, surviving, despite the constant interference of the emperor, through the Roman Empire. Although the present definition of democracy has changed considerably, one must still recognize its early evolution in that eternal city, Rome.

TheRoman Republic emerged out of what one historian called “the ashes of the monarchy.”  Years underneath the unyielding yoke of a king taught the people of Rome that they had to safeguard against the rule, and possible oppression, of one individual. The real authority or imperium of the republic, and later empire, was to be divided among three basic elements - elected non-hereditary magistrates, a Senate to advise and consent, and popular assemblies.  

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Info by Donald L. Wasson on Ancient History Encyclopedia