Question

4. In 509 B.C., Rome became a republic. Which of the following is a characteristic of a republic?

Answer 1

Citizens elect representatives who then decide on laws.

Answer 2

The correct answer is D. Citizens elect representatives who then decide on laws.

Explanation

The Roman Republic was a phase of the ancient Roman civilization characterized by the existence of a republican government that began with the destitution of the Roman monarchy and lasted more than 450 years until it became an empire. This was classified as a Replublic government because citizens elected their representatives. Indeed, during this period citizens voted to elect consuls (higher position in politics) that were in office for one year. Also, the Roman Republic was governed by a complex constitution, which focused on the principles of separation of powers, controls, and balances. One of the most representative changes of this stage was the replacement of a king by two consuls who were elected by the citizens for an annual period. So, the correct answer is D. Citizens elect representatives who then decide on laws.