Mar 15 Daily

The Struggle of the Orders, also known as the Conflict of the Orders, was a conflict between Roman Plebeians and Patricians.  Plebeians were the common people of Rome, while Patricians were the rich, powerful aristocrats.  During this time, Plebeians wanted equality with Patricians.  This struggle greatly affected later Roman politics, as public offices were now not only open to Patricians, but also Plebeians.  Virtually every citizen of Rome was able to run for public office, which in turn shifted the political landscape of the Republic, specifically the Senate.  The Roman Senate was now made up of Plebeians and Patricians alike.  With the introduction of Plebeians into the Roman government, another organization began to form – the Plebeian Council.  This council began to acquire more and more power, and its laws were beginning to not only affect Plebeians, but also Patricians.  The first Plebeian Council was the Plebeian Curiate Assembly, which was dependent on Patricians to politically support them; however, a law was passed in 471 BC that granted the Plebeian Council political independence.  At the beginning of the formation of the Roman Republic, Patricians were politically in control.  Common folk had no political input whatsoever, that is, until the Struggle of the Orders came up.  In my opinion, the Roman government was in the process of a significant transformation at the time.  No longer was the power in the hands of Patricians.  Plebeians had the right to hold public office in the Republic.  This reminds me of when African Americans were denied voting and governmental rights by the American government at the time. 


Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conflict_of_the_Orders