It started when Romans overthrew their Etruscan conquerors in 509 b.c.e. Centered north of Rome, the Etruscans had ruled over the Romans for hundreds of years. When they were freed, the Romans established a republic, a government in which citizens elected representatives to rule on their behalf. A republic is quite different from a democracy, where every citizen is expected to play an active role in governing the state.
Citizens
The Roman concept of the citizen evolved during the Roman Republic and changed greatly during the later Roman Empire. After the Romans freed themselves from the Etruscans, they established a republic and all guys over 15 who were descended from the original tribes of Rome became citizens. People of Rome distinguished themselves from slaves and other non-citizens by wearing a toga; most wore a white toga. During the Empire, each emperor wore a purple toga to distinguish himself as the Princeps, also known as, the "first citizen".
Citizenship varied significantly. A full citizen could vote, marry freeborn people, and practice commerce. Some citizens weren't allowed to vote or hold public office, but maintained the other rights. A third type of citizen could vote and practive commerce, but couldn't hold office or marry freeborn women.
In the late Republic, male slaves who were granted their freedom could become full citizens. Around 90 b.c.e., non-Roman allies of the Republic gained the rights of citizenship, and by 212 c.e., under the Edict of Caracalla, all free people of the Roman Empire could become citizens.
Citizenship varied significantly. A full citizen could vote, marry freeborn people, and practice commerce. Some citizens weren't allowed to vote or hold public office, but maintained the other rights. A third type of citizen could vote and practive commerce, but couldn't hold office or marry freeborn women.
In the late Republic, male slaves who were granted their freedom could become full citizens. Around 90 b.c.e., non-Roman allies of the Republic gained the rights of citizenship, and by 212 c.e., under the Edict of Caracalla, all free people of the Roman Empire could become citizens.
The aristocracy (wealthy group) dominated the early Roman Republic. In Roman society, the aristocrats were known as patricians. The highest positions in the government were held by two consuls, or leaders, who ruled the Roman Republic. A senate composed of patricians elected these consuls. At this time, lower-class citizens, or plebeians, had virtually no say in the government. Both men and women were citizens in the Roman Republic, but only men could vote.
Tradition dictated that patricians and plebeians should be strictly separated; marriage between the two classes was even prohibited. Over time, the plebeians elected their own representatives, called tribunes, who gained the power to agree to disagree to decisions made by the measures passed by the senate.
Gradually, the plebeians obtained even more power and eventually could hold the position of consul. Despite these changes, though, the patricians were still able to use their wealth to buy control and influence over elected leaders.
Tradition dictated that patricians and plebeians should be strictly separated; marriage between the two classes was even prohibited. Over time, the plebeians elected their own representatives, called tribunes, who gained the power to agree to disagree to decisions made by the measures passed by the senate.
Gradually, the plebeians obtained even more power and eventually could hold the position of consul. Despite these changes, though, the patricians were still able to use their wealth to buy control and influence over elected leaders.