The difference between the Roman Republic and Imperial
Rome are significant. In fact, there are too many differences to go into detail. So, I
will only mention the most important differences.
First,
the Republic was a revolt from the regal period of Roman history. Therefore, the basic
idea behind the Republic was the notion of parity or collegiality of power rather than
the absolute power of one individual. So, for example, the highest officials of Rome
were in pairs (consuls), so that there would not be one ruler. This structuring could
also be seen in the Praetors and Quaestors. Imperial Rome was huge shift from this,
because the Emperor was very much like a king. Rule was in one
person.
Second, in the Republic, there was a one year term
for office. To be sure, some individuals got reelected, but by and large no one person
held power for long. Imperial Rome changed this completely as the emperor had power as
long as he lived.
Third, in Republican Rome the senate was
a vital force of political power. One might argue that the senate was the most powerful.
However, with the advent of the emperor, the role of senate diminished greatly over
time.
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