After the Roman Kingdom was overthrown, a republican form of government came into being in Rome in 509 BC and lasted until 27 BC. A series of three articles will deal with this period of the ancient Roman civilization. The first article in this subseries will focus on the political system of the Roman Republic, the second on the Patrician Era and Gracchus reforms, and the third on the Punic and civil wars. -- Ed

SPQR

The Roman legions always carried standards whose center was embroidered with ¡°Eagle-SPQR.¡± The initials SPQR are still seen in today¡¯s Italy. It is an acronym from a Latin phrase, ¡°Senatus Populusque Romanus,¡± meaning "The Senate and People of Rome." It referred to the government of the ancient Roman Republic, and was used as an official signature of the government.

The Roman Republic was born after the Roman monarchy was overthrown in 508 BC. It lasted 482 years until civil wars resulted in the principate form of government and the imperial system.

Senate, Consuls, Tribunes

The Roman Republic was characterized by a republican form of government. This means that the country was not governed by monarchs, but by the principles of the separation of powers, and checks and balances. The Republic had three principal political institutions - the Senate, consuls and tribunes.

The Roman Senate was founded in the early days of the city of Rome. During the early Republic, it was politically weak. It was finally able to establish itself as a powerful political institution after several generations.

Consuls served in the highest elected political office of the Roman Republic. Each year, two consuls were elected together, to serve for a one-year term. After serving as consuls, the officials spent a year as proconsuls, or governors of provinces.

Tribune was a title given to elected officials. Tribunes served as the president of the Plebeian Council. The tribune could also summon the Senate. However, a tribune was only able to exercise his power while inside Rome.