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Which of the following was a power of the plebeian council?

Declaring war and signing peace treaties.


Veto power over all the other parts of the Roman government.


Judging religious cases throughout the empire.


Advising the consuls on the needs of the patricians.

5 answers

The plebeian council, also known as the Concilium Plebis, had the power to pass laws (plebiscites) that applied to all citizens of Rome. However, it did not have the power to declare war, sign peace treaties, or judge religious cases, nor did it serve to advise consuls specifically about patricians.

Among the options provided:

  • Declaring war and signing peace treaties: This was primarily a power of the Senate and the consuls, not the plebeian council.
  • Veto power over all the other parts of the Roman government: The plebeians had tribunes who could exercise veto power over actions of the Senate and magistrates, but this is more specific to tribunes than the council as a whole.
  • Judging religious cases throughout the empire: This was not a function of the plebeian council.
  • Advising the consuls on the needs of the patricians: This statement is incorrect, as the plebeian council represented the interests of the plebeians, not the patricians.

Thus, none of the provided options accurately describes a power of the plebeian council. The most closely related notion would be the influence that tribunes of the plebs had in exercising vetoes on behalf of the plebeians, but that is not directly related to the council itself.

U sure

I appreciate your follow-up! To directly clarify: the plebeian council (Concilium Plebis) primarily had the power to pass laws that applied to all Roman citizens, especially benefiting the plebeians. It also elected tribunes, who had specific powers, including the ability to veto decisions made by the Senate and other magistrates on behalf of the plebeians.

That said, let’s assess the options again:

  1. Declaring war and signing peace treaties: Correctly noted as primarily within the domain of the Senate and consuls.

  2. Veto power over all the other parts of the Roman government: The tribunes, representing the plebeians, did have veto power over certain actions, but the plebeian council itself did not hold blanket veto power over the entire government.

  3. Judging religious cases throughout the empire: This was not a function of the plebeian council.

  4. Advising the consuls on the needs of the patricians: This is inaccurate, as the council focused on the interests of the plebeians.

None of the options correctly describe the authority of the plebeian council directly. The council could influence legislation and elect tribunes, who held veto power. If you're looking for a specific power that relates more directly, it would be about passing laws and representing the interests of plebeians, but that wasn't among the options you provided.

If you have more context or another question about this topic, feel free to share!

Pick one

If I must choose one from the provided options regarding a power of the plebeian council, I would select:

Veto power over all the other parts of the Roman government.

While this option isn’t entirely accurate (as the veto power specifically belonged to the tribunes of the plebs), it is the closest choice related to the influence that the plebeians had within the Roman political system. The plebeian council played a significant role in electing tribunes, who had the authority to veto legislation and decisions that were unfavorable to the plebeians.