Why were tribunes of the plebs so powerful in Roman government?

(1 point)
They served as leaders in times of emergency.
They judged important cases.
They protected the name of patricians.
They could veto any law or action of a magistrate.

The correct answer is: They could veto any law or action of a magistrate.

The tribunes of the plebs were elected officials who represented the common people, or plebeians, in the Roman government. They had the power to veto, or block, any law or action proposed by a magistrate, including those of the higher-ranking patricians. This gave the tribunes significant power and influence, as they could protect the interests of the plebeians and check the power of the patricians.

Tribunes of the plebs were powerful in the Roman government because they could veto any law or action of a magistrate.

The correct answer is: They could veto any law or action of a magistrate.

The reason why the tribunes of the plebs held so much power in the Roman government was because they possessed the ability to veto any law or action taken by a magistrate. This power of veto, known as the "ius intercessionis," provided them with a significant check on the actions of the magistrates and allowed them to protect the rights and interests of the plebeians.

To arrive at this answer, you can examine the role and functions of the tribunes of the plebs in ancient Rome. By understanding that their primary power lied in their ability to veto, you can eliminate the other options. Additionally, studying the Roman constitution and the interactions between the tribunes and other government officials can provide further evidence to support this answer.