Tribune of the plebs facts for kids

Tribunes of the plebs were very important officials in Ancient Rome. They were like special protectors for the common people of Rome, called the plebians (or plebs). The plebians were free Roman citizens who were not part of the wealthy, powerful families known as patricians.

These tribunes helped balance the power between the strong Senate and the everyday needs of the people. There were always ten tribunes. They could work alone or together to help the plebians.

Protecting the Plebians

Tribunes had special powers to support the common people. They could use the People's Assembly (called the Concilium Plebis) to make decisions. They could also call meetings of the Senate and suggest new legislation (laws). They could even step in to help plebians with legal problems.

Their most important power was the ability to veto (say "no" to) the actions of the Consuls and other magistrates. This power helped them protect the interests of the plebians. It was against the law to attack any plebian tribune.

How Tribunes Were Chosen

Tribunes of the plebs were chosen only by the People's Assembly. Unlike most other officials in the Roman Republic, tribunes could be commoners. Their role was important for about 800 years. However, under the Roman Empire, they lost most of their real power. They were truly a key part of the Roman Republic.

Limits to Their Power

Even though a tribune could veto almost any action by other officials or the Senate, they had to be physically present to do it. If the tribune left, the action could go ahead as if no veto had happened. This meant the tribunes' powers were mostly limited to the city of Rome itself, not the entire Roman Republic.

Images for kids

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  The Secession of the People to the Mons Sacer, engraving by B. Barloccini, 1849.

See also

In Spanish: Tribuno de la plebe para niños