Comparing Governments Then vs. Now

res publica - the people's affair
brand new republic, ready to run 3 parts

• democracy(the people's assembly and the tribunes)
• aristocracy (the senate approx 300 members)
• monarchy (the consuls)
• NOT a tyranny

• originally, the US modled their new government on the model used by the ancient Romans
• both have 3 branches:
• executive
• legislative
• judicial  
• both have a legal code
• not exactly the same, but similar governments then vs now 

Executive-
Romans: 

• two consuls 
• one year terms
• each has veto power
• controls the military
• could appoint a dictator in a crisis for a 6 month term

US:

• president plus VP
• four year terms
• can veto proposed laws
• commander-in-chief of the military

Legislative
Romans:

• senate- 300 people -aristocrats- members for life
• Assemblies (either Centuriate of Tribal) 
• 193 members, later became 373
• members for life 

US:

• senate- 100 senators (2 from each state) - six year terms (1/3 voted for at a time)
• house of representatives- 435 members. States with higher populations, get more representatives
• each serve 2 year terms

Judicial
Romans:

• praetors (judges)
• chosen by the Centuriate Assembly 
• one year terms

US:

• supreme court
• nine members
• lifetime terms
• appointed by president, confirmed by senate