We find in early Rome, as in Homeric Greece, a
city-state with its king, council, and assembly. The king was the father of his
people, having over them the same absolute authority that the house-father held
within the family. The king was assisted by a council of elders, or Senate
(Latin senes, "old men"). Its members were chosen by the king
and held office for life. The most influential heads of families belonged to
the Senate. The common people at first took little part in the government, for
it was only on rare occasions that the king summoned them to deliberate with
him in an assembly.
THE REPUBLICAN CONSULS
Toward the close of the sixth century, as we have already
learned, the ancient monarchy disappeared from Rome. In place of the
lifelong king two magistrates, named consuls, were elected every year. Each
consul had to share his honor and authority with a colleague who enjoyed the
same power as himself. Unless both agreed, there could be no action. Like the
Spartan kings, the consuls served as checks, the one on the other. Neither
could safely use his position to aim at unlawful rule.
