In this Grade 6 Pengi Social Studies lesson from Chapter 7: Ancient Rome, students learn how the overthrow of the Etruscan kings led to the founding of the Roman Republic. The lesson examines the structure of Roman government — including the roles of Consuls, the Senate, and Assemblies — along with the principle of Checks and Balances. Students also explore the significance of the Twelve Tables as Rome's earliest written constitution and its role in protecting citizens' rights.
Section 1
From Monarchy to Republic
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In 509 B.C.E., Roman nobles overthrew the last Etruscan king to establish a republic, a government where citizens elect leaders.
Initially, power belonged only to the patricians (wealthy landowners) who controlled the Senate and elected two consuls. The common people, or plebeians, had almost no voice.
Section 2
Checks and Balances
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To prevent any one person from becoming too powerful, Rome created a tripartite government with checks and balances.
Two consuls led the army but could veto each other. The Senate controlled money and foreign policy. Assemblies allowed citizens to vote. Later, tribunes could veto actions to protect the poor.
Section 3
The Conflict of the Orders and Twelve Tables
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Plebeians protested for equal rights in a struggle called the Conflict of the Orders. Their biggest victory was the Twelve Tables, Rome’s first written laws.
Displayed in the Forum, these laws established the rule of law—the principle that laws apply to everyone, not just the poor. This protected citizens from arbitrary punishment by patrician judges.
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Section 1
From Monarchy to Republic
###
In 509 B.C.E., Roman nobles overthrew the last Etruscan king to establish a republic, a government where citizens elect leaders.
Initially, power belonged only to the patricians (wealthy landowners) who controlled the Senate and elected two consuls. The common people, or plebeians, had almost no voice.
Section 2
Checks and Balances
###
To prevent any one person from becoming too powerful, Rome created a tripartite government with checks and balances.
Two consuls led the army but could veto each other. The Senate controlled money and foreign policy. Assemblies allowed citizens to vote. Later, tribunes could veto actions to protect the poor.
Section 3
The Conflict of the Orders and Twelve Tables
###
Plebeians protested for equal rights in a struggle called the Conflict of the Orders. Their biggest victory was the Twelve Tables, Rome’s first written laws.
Displayed in the Forum, these laws established the rule of law—the principle that laws apply to everyone, not just the poor. This protected citizens from arbitrary punishment by patrician judges.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter