The Legacy of Roman Government

     The Roman government was considered "bicameral" because it had two houses. The upper house consisted of the patricians in the senate, while the The ancient Romans met in the Forum.lower house was composed of plebeian tribunes.

     The Constitution of the United States organized the Congress in the same manner. Two senators represent each state. The Senate advises the President and confirms his appointments. Originally, the state governments chose the senators. About one hundred years ago, a group of Americans called "progressives" demanded that the people be allowed to vote directly for their senators. Voters amended the Constitution in 1913 to allow the direct election of senators. The people have always elected members to the lower house of Congress, the House of Representatives.

     The Roman model of government is used in many nations. Canada's legislative bodies are the Senate and the House of Commons. The Prime Minister, the head of Canada's government, appoints members of the Canadian Senate. Great Britain has a similar bicameral legislature, but the upper house in Britain is called the House of Lords.

Rome  |  Romulus and Remus  |  Patricians and Plebeians  | The Punic Wars
Spartacus  |  Julius Caesar  |  Cleopatra  |  Caesar Augustus
Later Emperors  |  Roman Technology  |  The Legacy of Roman Government
  Latin   |  Christianity  |  Constantine and Constantinople

Roman Technology
Latin

 

To cite this page:
Dowling, Mike., "The Electronic Passport to the Legacy of Roman Government," available from http://www.mrdowling.com/702-legacy.html; Internet; updated Wednesday, May 1, 2002 0:07 AM

©2008, Mike Dowling. All rights reserved.