Credit Where it is Due

The common man today thinks that the democratic form of government he has comes from the Greeks. Wrong! Sure, the Greeks, as usual, were good with ideas in philosophy and yes, about democracy. But, as with all matters practical, the Greeks never solved the messiness of democracy problem.

The ones who did solve that problem best were the Romans. I’ll just repeat the description of Rome’s solution from an earlier blog:

“Their solution? To form a republic. It was a trial and error system of government that evolved with time and events:

-         They create a body of aristocrats called the Senate. The Senate, however, could not pass laws and had no legal powers. Instead, all adult male citizens voted in the assemblies for the passing of bills. But, of course, the money of the aristocrats still wielded influence.

-         From amongst the senators, two were elected as “consuls”, not by the people, but by the senators themselves. The two consuls would have the power of a king. But just for one year, after which they returned to the Senate. Why two of them? So one could “act as a restraint on the other”. And long gaps were prescribed before one could be a consul a second time.

-         For times of an emergency, they also created the post a dictator, “to which the consuls could appoint someone to restore control”. Once the crisis was over, power would return to the two consuls.

-         The rich non-aristocrats, known as plebeians, resented being left out. And they got some power when they staged a protest when Rome was under attack. Give us some degree of power, they told the aristocrats, or we won’t fight the invaders. And so came into existence the “tribunes of the people”.

This form of government with elements of democracy, oligarchy and monarchy (and even dictatorship!) took root long before Rome became an empire.”

Notice the key element of the Roman system? Checks and balances all around via multiple houses, divided responsibilities, and limited terms. Every modern democracy has the same basic structure today, be it British Westminster style or American style. Hell, the Americans were so enamored that they even call their upper house the Senate!

When you think about it, it makes sense why the Romans formed a solution (the Republic) that has appealed through the ages, from Machiavelli to present day. After all, Rome knew not just how to build an empire but also how to govern it… for centuries. So they had plenty of time to improve their system by trial and error. Until Julius Caesar came along, but that’s another story.

So next time, please give credit for democratic governance where it is due: Rome, not Greece.