Why were tribunes of the plebs so powerful in roman government
The tribunes of the plebs were powerful in Roman government for several reasons:
1. Protection of the Plebeians: The primary role of the tribunes was to protect the rights and interests of the plebeians (common citizens) from the potentially oppressive rule of the patricians (aristocrats). They had the authority to veto any actions or laws they deemed harmful to the plebeians, thereby acting as a safeguard against abuses of power.
2. Sacrosanctity: The tribunes were regarded as sacrosanct, meaning they were inviolable and immune from physical harm or arrest while in office. This granted them a powerful advantage against anyone who sought to impede their actions, enabling them to stand up against even the highest-ranking officials.
3. Veto Power: The tribunes had the ability to veto any decision taken by the Senate or magistrates that they believed would harm the interests of the plebeians. This power gave them tremendous leverage and allowed them to block legislation or actions that were not in the best interest of the common people.
4. Legislative Proposals: Tribunes were allowed to propose new legislation for the Roman Republic's assemblies to consider. This gave them the power to initiate laws that would benefit the plebeians and improve their social and political standing.
5. Military Command: Tribunes had the authority to lead armies and had control over the military. This ability made them influential figures on the battlefield and allowed them to rally support among the common soldiers, who were often plebeians themselves.
6. Collegiality: The tribunes held their position as a collegial body, usually consisting of ten members. This collective power strengthened their position and increased their ability to resist the influence of the patrician rulers.
Overall, the combination of their protective role, veto power, legislative proposals, military command, and collegial nature made the tribunes of the plebs a powerful force in Roman government, ensuring the representation and well-being of the plebeian class.