Choose which statement correctly describes the governing of the roman republic.                                patricians were the most powerful social class. the republic lacked a “separation of powers” in the government. the senate was the most powerful instrument of government. only patricians could be consuls. consuls served for life. the people’s assembly was created specifically for the plebeians. the senate made the laws for the republicthe consuls were in charge of the military. plebeians controlled the senate. the republic contained a system of “checks and balances.”

A - Patricians were the most powerful social class.

C- The Senate was the most powerful instrument of government.

D- Only Patricians could be Consuls.

Explanation:

The early Republican Roman Government was established in about 509 BC after the end of the Etruscan rule. Members of the aristocracy, known as Patricians were selected to rule in the Senate from members of the aristocracy.

From the Patricians, the Senators were appointed and they in turn chose the two Consuls.  These two Consuls were chosen to rule the Roman Republic as the highest-ranking members of Roman government and they ruled for a non-consecutive one-year rule, however, depending on the Consuls competence, this tenure could be extended.  At earliest stage of Roman Republican government, the Senate was said not to have real legislative powers as this was delegated to popular assemblies. However, since it was composed of the Patricians, it held absolute ‘advisory’ influence over decisions taken by the Consuls and later on the emperor. They also made financial decisions and decrees, which were obeyed. The Roman Republic was basically divided into two social classes. The Patricians and the plebeians, which were not allowed to intermarry. the Patricians were the most powerful social class, they could vote,  hold office and practice commerce, the plebeians, lower class citizens on the other hand were not allowed to vote or hold office but could  practice commerce.  Interesting to note the members of the Senate could not practice commercial activities. Eventually the representative assemblies known as Tribunes created to cater for the needs of the lower-class grew in power and came to choose Consuls as well. In times of crisis like in war-times, a temporary ‘dictator’ was chosen to lead the military force. This dictator was chosen by the Consuls and the Senate.