This diagram shows the ladder of political advancement (cursus honorum) during the Republic. The straight ladder shows the typical path of advancement beginning with election to quaestor, the lowest office, and proceeding to consul, the highest (of course very few men made it that far; it was quite exceptional when a man like Cicero, who did not come from a noble family, was elected consul). Red text designates “curule magistrates,” who had the right to sit on a special ivory folding stool (sella curulis) as a symbol of their office; they also had the right to wear the purple-bordered toga (toga praetexta). Offices marked with an asterisk carried imperium, the highest political authority, which included the right to command an army, to interpret and carry out the law, and to pass sentences of death. Magistrates whose title began with “pro” were in charge of provinces.
When the Legislative Assemblies drawn from the citizens of Rome became ineffective, Emperor Tiberius transferred their power to legislate laws to the Senate and himself. With the restoration of the Republic, the Assemblies are gathered to elect Senators, Consuls, and Tribunes.
Key Positions
Consuls- Serving as an Executive Head of the Republic, Consuls hav the authority to exercise executive powers such as convening the Senate and Assemblies, mediate Senate debates, and oversee other Magistrates. They also serve as Commanders-In-Chief of the Roman Legions. Consuls have large amounts of legislative, judicial, and executive power. However, Consuls can serve only for one year unless an emergency occurs.
Tribunes- Tribunes are elected to practice a veto power. They may veto any magistrate's actions and Senate actions. They may address the Senate, but cannot vote. Their veto power extends only to Rome herself and not any of the provinces. A set number of Tribunes is reserved for a Plebeian.
Quaestor: Appointed by the Senate, though originally appointed by the Assemblies, Quaestors oversees the financial matters and treasury of the Republic.
Aedile- These are in charge of overseeing buildings in Rome and organizing official festivals religious or otherwise. Appointed by the Senate. A set number are reserved for Plebeians.
Praetor- A Praetor served as a magistrate and commander of of an army should the need arise. They also serve as administrators in the governmental bureaucracy.
Censor- These officials were in charge of overseeing Roman censuses.
Dictator- A rare appointment, absolute power is granted to a dictator in the face of a great threat. With the recent history of Emperors, this appointment has a negative connotation.
