The Legacy of Roman Government

     The Roman government was considered "bicameral" because it had two houses. The upper house consisted of the patricians in the Senate, while the lower house was composed of plebeian Tribunes.

     The United States Constitution developed in the same manner. American government leaders developed two houses of Congress. The upper house was called the Senate. Each state chose two senators. The state governments chose the senators, not the voters. The Senate advises the President and confirms his appointments. About one hundred years ago, a group of Americans called "Progressives" demanded that the people and not the state government choose Senators. The United States Constitution was amended, or changed, in 1912 to allow the direct election of senators by voters.

     The members of the lower house, called the House of Representatives, have always been elected by the people. The "House" approves all spending. Bob Graham and Connie Mack represent Floridia in the Senate. The House of Representatives is divided into 435 "congressional districts." Mark Foley, Alcee Hastings, Robert Wexler, and Clay Shaw represent Palm Beach County in the House of Representatives.

Rome

 

To cite this page:
Dowling, Mike., "The Electronic Passport to the Legacy of Roman Government," available from http://www.mrdowling.com/702-legacy.html; Internet; updated Thursday, March 16, 2000 6:06 PM