Rome had two houses in its legislature: the Senate and the Assembly. The Senate was a aristocratic body made up of patrician families who held a connection to the three ancient tribes of Rome. The assembly (there were several of these over time) was a public gathering of the people who voted individually for candidates or laws. The Senate had 300 members for most of its existence, while the assembly comprised all property owning citizens who attended its meetings. The chief magistrates of the Republic were the consuls. Two were elected for a one year term and had the right of veto over each other. This veto right was designed to prevent an abuse of power.
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