Question

How did the make-up of the Roman Senate change over time? A The Roman Senate changed very little over time; senators were elected and consuls were always chosen by the emperor. B By the first century B.C., the Roman Senate changed so much that it was made up entirely by plebian tribunes, but only patricians were allowed as the consuls. C The Roman Senate was originally made up of only patricians, though some plebeians were eventually granted power as tribunes and even rose to the position of consul. D The Roman Senate was at first made up of only plebeians, or lower class people, but as Rome became wealthier, the upper class, or patricians, soon took over the Senate.

Answer 1

The right answer is the C: The Roman Senate was originally made up of only patricians, though some plebeians were eventually granted power as tribunes and even rose to the position of consul. Roman senators did always belong to the upper class. At first, only the most prominent patricians became senators. Later on, it was necessary for them to have had a political career in order to serve as senators. However, during the Republic (509 BC-27 BC), wealthy plebeians were also able to become part of the Senate and to have political careers - such as those of tribunes and consuls.