Listen to the Senators
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The ancient Roman republic was governed by two elected consuls who shared the power. The consuls were elected at the assembly from the senators to serve the government for a year. The consuls had direct control of the army. A senator was from a patrician family and he was a citizen with great power because he advised the consuls, helped make laws and assisted in the running of the city. The senate consisted of 300 senators who were chosen by the consuls and they provided lifelong service to the government. A new senator would only be chosen by the consuls when a seat was available.
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The senator helped governing the country in several ways. First of all, they advised the consuls as well as the assembly of plebians. The senators had the power to approve or override any decisions made at the assembly. They were also in charge of the finance of the country including taxing. In addition, they could make decisions about foreign affairs. The senators had very high ranks in the ancient Roman society symbolised by their clothing. They wore tunics with a purple stripe down the middle and togas with a purple strip around the edge. They had several other priviledges, such as a right to be seated next to the consuls or the Emperor at public displays and less severe penalties.