The Constitution of the Republic
Mos Maiorum
Magistrates
Censor - The Censor was an officer in ancient Rome who was responsible for maintaining the census, supervising public morality, and overseeing certain aspects of the government's finances. The Censor shall aid the Quaestors as necessary, shall have oversight of disciplinary matters in the Senate. They shall have the power of doling out the honorary title of Princeps Senatus once every year. They shall also be able to fine Senators who have transgressed against the social rules of Rome. Censors keep discussion on topic and focused within the Curia and have the power to issue a formal warning, or a Nota Censura. The Censor may administer the Census every year and determine whether or not an individual has met the requirements to stay in his respective class. If expelled for financial reasons (the total value of the estate falling below 5,000 denarii) the Senator need only prove that his estate is worth the specified amount to be allowed back. If the Senator is expelled for gross behavioral misconduct he may only be re-enrolled by the Censor. The Censor may suspend Senators from the Curia for a short amount of time as well.
Examples of frowned upon behavior (courtesy of NovaRoma)Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
(a) Living in celibacy at a time when a person ought to be married to provide the state with citizens (Val. Max. II.9 §1). The obligation of marrying was frequently impressed upon the citizens by the censors, and the refusal to fulfil it was punished with a fine [Aes Uxorium].
(b) The dissolution of matrimony or betrothment in an improper way, or for insufficient reasons (Val. Max. II.9 §2).
(c) Improper conduct towards one's wife or children, as well as harshness or too great indulgence towards children, and disobedience of the latter towards their parents (Plut. Cat. Maj. 17; cf. Cic. de Rep. IV.6; Dionys. XX.3).
(d) Inordinate and luxurious mode of living, or an extravagant expenditure of money. A great many instances of this kind are recorded (Liv. Epit. 14, XXXIX.4; Plut. Cat. Maj. 18; Gellius, IV.8; Val. Max. II.9 §4). At a later time the leges sumtuariae were made to check the growing love of luxuries.
(e) Neglect and carelessness in cultivating one's fields (Gell. IV.12; Plin. H. N. XVIII.3).
(f) Cruelty towards slaves or clients (Dionys. XX.3).
(g) The carrying on of a disreputable trade or occupation (Dionys., l.c.), such as acting in theatres (Liv. VII.2).
(h) Legacy-hunting, defrauding orphans, &c.
Dictator - Anyone may be elected Dictator by a 3/5 majority vote of the Senate. Dictators have supreme power and virtually unlimited remit in terms of unilateral law creation, control of the military, and distribution of power in Rome and the Empire. This includes financial oversights, confiscations et cetera. Dictators may either be elected for a space of time or for life, becoming a Dictator Perpetua in the case of the latter. Dictators shall have supreme authority over all aspects of the government, military, the provinces and lands under the administration of the Senate. Dictators carry 24 fasces. Dictators sit on a single curule chair in the senate and at public games.
Consul - Two Consuls are elected yearly. Consuls have the power to veto one another in the capacity of forbidding death sentences and military actions on the field. Consuls may lead armies into battle, propose laws, and appoint consular staff. Consuls are the sole regal office of the Republic, as denoted by their lictors who carry their fasces of office. The majesty of the Consuls' position allows them a greater degree of control over the affairs of the Republic than any other magistrate, save dictator. Consuls may be deposed a 3/5 vote of the senate in cases where the Consul has violated the laws of the Republic. Consuls shall hold office for one year. Consuls carry 12 fasces each, sit on one of two Curule chairs in the senatehouse and at public events, and wear a toga with a broad purple stripe. Consuls have absolute oversight over matters of judicial, administrative, and legislative authority in concurrence with the senate. Consuls are also the supreme de facto military commanders in the Republic.
Clarification on he consular veto: Consuls may NOT veto decrees of the Senate as tribunes may or forbid discussion on any given topics.
Pro-Consul - The senate may empower any member of its body with the powers of a Consul. Pro-Consuls shall be subordinate to Consuls but shall, when abroad, have all the powers associated with the office of Consul. All governors shall assume Pro-Consular power while governing and residing in their province. These magistrates are responsible for paying the upkeep of any soldiers in their provinces and shall hold office for one year, but the Senate may empower one with pro-consular power for a longer period. Praetors wear the toga praetexta, a bleached white toga with a thin purple stripe.
Praetor - Praetors preside over the courts of the Republic. They shall serve as judges in all cases brought against any citizen. Praetors have the power to lead armies in battle at the discretion of the senate. Praetors shall determine all sentences for guilty criminals. As a high officer of the Republic, a Praetor, like a Consul, also has lictors. However, these lictors carry half the number of fasces as the Consul, identifying their importance but inferiority to a Consul. Praetors carry 6 fasces each.
Quaestor - Quaestors shall serve as treasurers of the Republic, there can be two Quaestors elected for any given term. They shall advise the senate over the state of the Public Treasury. The Quaestors are responsible for overseeing the day to day spending of the Republic. They may also investigate the finances of the Senatorial class for any reason. Each of the two Quaestors will have unique responsibilities. Quaestors wear the toga praetexta, a bleached white toga with a thin purple line.
One Quaestor will be responsible for all civic spending including the paying of magisterial incomes, releasing funds for building projects, and investigating the finances of all members of the Senatorial class in concert with the Censor.
The other Quaestor will oversee all military spending including replenishment of the legions, the raising of new troops, and ensuring all legions have been received annual pay.
Quaestors who fail in their duties may be prosecuted.
Aedile - Two Aediles are elected yearly. Aediles are responsible for annual holding of the game in a Gladiatorial Arena and The Circus Maximus. They are responsible for enforcement and monitoring of honest bets. They may fine Senators and citizens who try to interfere in the games. They are responsible for maintenance and renovation of buildings in which the games are held. Aediles care of the streets, the water supply, the grain supply, and sewage. It shall be the duty of the Aedile to ensure the grain supply in Rome is at a safe level.
Tribune - Tribunes are considered sacrosanct, any individual that disregards the inviolable nature of the tribunician powers shall be tried for crimes against the Republic, and may be executed without impunity. Tribunes shall have the following three powers:
Intercessio: Tribunes may intercede on behalf of any Roman against the arbitrary decisions of other magistrates. This includes any sentence handed down by a magistrate.
Veto: Tribunes may exercise the right of veto to halt discussion of any matter on the floor of the senate. This shall also apply to proposed legislation. Tribunes must be in the Curia to exercise the veto.
Adjuvo: A tribune is expected to represent the will of the plebeians and work to promote their well being.
Senators, elected or otherwise may propose any motion they wish to bring before the Senate. When seconded, a motion may be brought to vote. All discussion for bills must last at least 12 hours, no matter what. Voting will also last a minimum of 12 hours, no matter what.. If the motion passes the its contents are enacted.
All Magistrates are elected by a simple majority vote. Any magistrate may be impeached by a 3/5 vote of the senate.
Leges Republicae
Laws of the Republic
I. No Citizen shall take up arms against the Republic
II. No Citizen shall take another citizen's life
III. No General may lead an army within the sacred boundaries of Rome
IV. All foreign treaties must be ratified by the Senate
V. No weapons shall be permitted within the Sacred Pomerium
VI. Magistrates serving abroad shall defend the lands of The Republic to the best of their ability
Lex Cornelia de maiestate
A governor could not leave his province during his time in office.
Lex Hortensia
All resolutions passed by plebeians are binding to all citizens.
Lex Iulia
This Law restricts the number of 'gifts' that a Governor could receive during his term in a province, and also ensures that Governors balance their accounts before leaving a province. All Governors must account for their finances.
Lex Ogulnia
Plebeians may hold priesthoods.
Lex Valeria-Porcia
Exempts Roman citizens from degrading and shameful forms of punishment, such as scourging with rods or whips, and especially crucifixion. Establishes certain rights for Roman citizens such as the right of appeal to the Plebeian Tribunes, called Provocatio. It is legal to kill any citizen who was plotting to seize a tyranny.
Leges Provinciae
All Roman governors shall pay tax revenue directly to the state. Governors shall behave justly in their provinces.
Lex Scantinia
Rape shall be illegal. Any man found to be taking the passive role in sexual intercourse with men of a lower status shall be considered depraved. Engaging in struprum of a minor shall be punishable by death.
Lex Voconia
Women may not inherit estates valued at more than 50,000 denarii.
Twelve Tables
I. If someone is called to go to court, he has to go. If he does not go, a witness should be called. Only then should he be captured. If he shirks or flees, he should be captured. If illness or old age is an impediment, let him be given a carriage. If he does not want it, it should not be covered. Only a landowner should be surety for another landowner. But any citizen can be surety for a proletarian. When parties have made an agreement, announce it. If they do not agree, they shall state their case in the Forum before noon. They shall plead together in person. After noon, let the judge pronounce. If both are present, the case shall end at sunset.
II. Serious illness... or else a day appointed with an enemy; ... if any of these is an impediment for the judge or any party, on that day proceedings must end. One who seeks the testimony from an absent person should wait before his doorway every third day.
III. In case of an admitted debt or of awards made by a court, 30 days shall be allowed for payment. After then, the creditor can lay hands on him and haul him to court. If he does not satisfy the judgement and no one is surety for him, the creditor may take the defendant with him in stocks or chains with a weight of no less than 15 lbs. (or more if he desires). The debtor may live where he wishes. If he does not live on his own, the creditor must give him a pound of wheat a day. If he wants to he may give more. On the third market day, (creditors) may cut pieces. If they take more than they are due, they do so with impunity. Against a foreigner, the right of property is valid forever.
IV. If a child is born with a deformity he shall be killed. If a father sells his son into slavery three times, the son shall be free of his father.
VI. When someone makes bond or conveyance and announces it orally, right shall be given. No one must displace beams from buildings or vineyards.
VII. A property owner must build a road [if there is a right-of-way]; if they become dilapidated, passersby can drive their beasts where ever they want. If runoff [from someone else's property] does damage, he shall be made to fix it by the judge.
VIII. Those who have incanted slander, or a curse, if one has maimed another and does not buy his peace, there be retaliation in kind. Someone who breaks another's bone by hand or club must pay 300 sesterces; for a slave, 150; if he has done simple harm against another, 25. Someone who kills crops with a spell, or another's corn will be punished. If a patron defrauds his client, let him be outlawed. If one has been called to witness, or hold the scales, unless he gives his testimony, let him be dishonoured and incapable of further testimony. If an object flies unaimed from your hand rather than aimed [and causes injury], you will owe a ram.
IX. Private laws (that is, laws against one individual) will not be proposed. It is forbidden to propose laws against one single individual.
X. No dead man may be cremated nor buried in the City. When a man wins a crown, or his slave or cattle win a crown for him. No one must add gold (to a funeral pyre). But if his teeth are held together with gold, and are buried or burnt with him, it shall be disconsidered.
XI. Marriages between plebeians and patricians are prohibited. Men in the army may not wed until training is complete.
XII. Someone who has brought a false claim shall be brought before three judges, and shall pay a double penalty or be sent to death if he cannot do the time.
The Election Process Elections shall be held every week and a half, alternating every Sunday and Wednesday. In order to run for a given Magistracy you must indicate your characters interest in a Nomination thread, opened before the Elections take place per the schedule below. You may only nominate yourself for one Magistracy at a time, however you can recind your previous option and choose another if you want to. All positions will require annual re-election, there is currently no upper limit to the amount of time that can be served in any given position however you must be re-elected successfully each year.
Once the Nomination thread has been closed all contested positions shall go to a vote, non-contested positions are awarded automatically. No character may take a new position until the election thread itself has closed, at which point the new term will have begun.
A number of institutions affected the outcome of elections and the political process in Rome. For our purposes these will include:
Collegiae
The Collegiae include crafting guilds, organized societies and the vast client system of the patricians. This is a general definition but the point is that these individuals are not among the capite censi, they are plebeians but they are relatively well off. In the event of political upheaval in Rome the support of this group could often mean the difference of victory or defeat. While the influence of tribunes dominates the lower classes, the collegiae may fight for whoever appeals to them most appropriately. These armed bands will respond to illustrious patricians or influential tribunes.
Pro-Senate: When an appeal is made the number of Senators appealing to the collegiae will act as a modifier to the dice roll to determine the size of the pro-senate mob
Pro-Tribune: The tribune(s) must use their influence among the plebeian class to win the support of the mob by either passing legislation favorable to the collegiae or spending any amount of populist points to win favor.
Comitia Centuriata
Historically responsible for most magistrate elections in the early Republic and dominated by the patricians, the Comitia Centuriata has lost much of its former power by the end of the 2nd century BCE. Yet even in these twilight days it exerts a significant impact on the electoral process of high Republican office, including the Consulate, the Praetorship, the Censorship and the election of governors. The more favor one has with the patricians, the more likely one is to gain the favor of the Comitia Centuriata as a whole. The Patricians still exert the power of the client-patron relationship and can influence their clients to vote in a particular way.
The higher the amount of Patrician points a candidate has, the higher percentage of the vote he will receive. The sum of all candidate patrician points will be added and the number of each candidate will be a fraction of that number. That percentage then determines how many of the ten votes go to each candidate. For example:
Aulus has 3 patrician points, Quintus has 7 and Gaius has 2. All three are running for the consulship. Given their amount of favor with the patrician class, Aulus receives two votes, Quintus receives 6 votes, and Gaius receives two votes.
The Comitia Centuriata will affect elections by casting ten votes for Consuls, Censors, Praetors, and Proconsulates.
Concilium Plebis
The Concilium Plebis, the political organization led by the tribunes, is a growing power during the late Republic. Their decrees carry the power of law and their representatives can stop government by the use of a single word. The Plebeians carry the most sway among the junior magistracies.
The higher the amount of Plebeian points a candidate has, the higher percentage of the vote he will receive. The sum of all candidate patrician points will be added and the number of each candidate will be a fraction of that number.
Special Rules for the Concilium Plebis
Tribunes may propose legislation directly to the Concilium Plebis. If passed, this legislation becomes binding law. A random roll with a modifier taking into account the tribune's popularity with the people will determine whether or not the legislation passes.
The Concilium Plebis will cast ten votes in each of the following magistrate elections: Tribune of the Plebeians, Quaestor, (Aedile)
Trials/Disciplinary
Any senator may bring charges against another senator. Presiding magistrates cannot be tried until their term has expired. Magistrates may, however, be removed from office by a 3/5 vote of the senate. The Praetors shall rule on whether or not a case may proceed to trial based on the evidence presented by the prosecution. Non-citizens may not bring cases against citizens.
A defendant in a trial may appoint an advocate to speak in his defense.
The prosecuting party must appoint a Roman citizen to present evidence.
Crimes against the Republic shall include:
Jus Civile
These laws concern interpersonal relations
- Abusing authority for personal gain while governing a province
- Theft
- Arson
- Blackmail
- Maiming a Roman Citizen
- Killing a non-citizen
- Mismanagement of the Provinces
Jus Publicum
These laws concern the relationship between the state and an individual. Offenses in this category may be judged by the entire senate instead of the college of Praetors
- Treason
- Extortion (exceeding 8,000 denarii)
- Conspiracy
- Murder of a Roman Citizen
- Mismanagement of the Provinces
Sentencing and Punishment
A defendant shall either be found GUILTY, NOT GUILTY, or the case thrown out for lack of evidence. If found guilty the defendant will face a penalty equal to the severity of the offense. Penalties shall include:
The Death Penalty
Beheading (Percussio Securi)
Strangling in prison (Strangulatio)
Throwing a criminal from the Tarpeian rock (dejectio e rupe Tarpeia)
Roman Values
Pietas: The conduct of the man who performed all his duties towards the deity and his fellow human beings fully and in every respect. According to Cicero: "which admonishes us to do our duty to our country or our parents or other blood relations."
Gravitas: An expected standard of behavior, moderate temperament, and above all else to act with decorum befitting ones' status in society.
Dignitas: A reputation for doing good, for upholding the virtues of Pietas. One who through his actions gains an honorable reputation as one who can be depended on, one who is moral.
Auctoritas: Carries the same connotations as Dignitas, except with a more military or otherwise authoritarian air. It denotes that through the practice of virtues such as Pietas, one has a certain moral authority.
Titles and Constitutional Terms Defined
Pro-Praetor: "Acting as a Praetor"
Pro-Consular: "Acting as a Consul"
Imperium: Authority to command
Fasces: An axe bundled in rods, signifying Imperium
Lictors: Those who carry the fasces and act as a bodyguard of sorts
Tribunician powers: Vested with the powers and characteristics of a tribune
Princeps: First citizen
Legatus: A subordinate military command
Senatus Consultum Ultimum: "Final decree of the Senate"
Leges: Laws
Patron: A benefactor who answers to the request of his clients. Clients and patrons, respectively, owe one another loyalty and a duty to serve on another. A patron is the superior member of the relationship and clients subordinate.
Titles/Accolades
Adopted heirs of any senator may add the name of that Senator to their own and inherit half of that Senator's popularity with the plebeians, legions, or patricians.
Titles shall be granted by the senate to those who distinguish themselves and are as follows but not limited to:
Ovation: The ovation (Latin: ovatio) was a lower form of the Roman triumph. Ovations were granted, when war was not declared between enemies on the level of states, when an enemy was considered basely inferior (slaves, pirates) or when the general conflict was resolved with little to no bloodshed or danger to the army itself. (+2.5 populist points/patrician, +2.5 Legion Loyalty points)
Triumph: The Roman triumph (triumphus) was a civil ceremony and religious rite of ancient Rome, held to publicly celebrate and sanctify the military achievement of an army commander who had won great military successes, or originally and traditionally, one who had successfully completed a foreign war. In Republican tradition, only the Senate could grant a triumph. The origins and development of this honour were obscure: Roman historians placed the first triumph in the mythical past. (+5 Populist/Patrician Points, +5 Legion Loyalty Points)
Princeps Senatus: (plural principes senatus) was the first member by precedence of the Roman Senate. Although officially out of the cursus honorum and owning no imperium, this title brought enormous prestige to the senator holding it. (+1 Populist/Patrician Point, +1 Legion Loyalty Point)
Ex-Consul- Anyone who has served as Consul
Augustus- A title granted to a senator with almost dictatorial status. This senator must display advanced military aptitude, be beloved of the People, and be a shining beacon of Roman virtues. (+15 Legion Loyalty points, +15 Populist Points)
Magnus- "The Great" Awarded to individuals who distinguish themselves in any but especially military functions (+5 Legion Loyalty Points)
Pontifex Maximus- A title granted to a reasonably influential man who shall be charged with performing all the necessary rites in accordance to Roman religious law. Only one may be named. The title lasts for life or until given up. (+1 Populist/Patrician Point)
Imperator- A title granted by a legion that achieves a 3 star veteran status (+1 Legion Loyalty Point)
Pater Patria- A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who takes extraordinary measures to defend the republic (+10 Populist/Patrician Points)
Gallicus- A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the tribes of Gaul (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist/Patrician Points)
Germanicus-A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the tribes of Germany (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist Points)
Asiaticus - A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the tribes of Asia (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist/Patrician Points)
Armenicus- A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the tribes of Armenia and Asia Minor (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist/Patrician Points)
Africanus- A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the tribes of Africa (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist/Patrician Points)
Aegyptus- A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the lands of Egypt (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist/Patrician Points)
Parthicus- A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the tribes of Parthia (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist/Patrician Points)
Dacicus- A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the tribes of Dacia (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist/Patrician Points)
Brittanicus- A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the tribes of Britain (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist/Patrician Points)
Hispanicus- A title granted by the Senate to a citizen who has subjugated the tribes of Spain (+3 Legion Loyalty Points, +3 Populist/Patrician Points)
