Why was the Roman Republic considered to have a mixed form of government rather than a democracy?
The Roman Constitution is typically seen as an example of mixed government becuase it included elements of both democracy (rule by the people), aristocracy (rule by a few aristocrats), and monarchy (rule by one person). The monarchical element was embodied in the two Consuls, who ruled side by side for one year terms. They (and lesser elected officials) possessed a wide variety of powers, particularly over foreign affairs, and Consuls served as army generals during and sometimes after their term of office. The Senate forms the aristocratic element, as it was formed from the ruling Patrician class in Roman society. Although it possessed no formal power, it controlled much of the day to day working of the city of Rome, including the treasury. It also issued “advice” called senatus consulta; these were usually obeyed by the consuls. The legislative assemblies formed the democratic element in the Roman government. The people would gather in several different assemblies to elect officials (
