Why were tribunes of the plebs so powerful in Roman government?

A.

They served as leaders in times of emergency.

B.

They judged important cases.

C.

They protected the name of patricians.

D.

They could veto any law or action of a magistrate.

The answer is: D

The Tribune of the Plebeians was an important figure to check the powers of the Senate and the Magistrates during the Republic era of Rome.

The Tribune had the power to call and preside over the People's assembly; they also had the power to summon the Senate; to propose legislation, and to represent the plebeians in legal matters. Above all, they had the power to veto the actions of the consuls and other magistrates in order to protect the interests of the plebeians.

Correct answer: D. They could veto any law or action of a magistrate.

Context/detail:

In the Roman Republic, farmers, merchants and artisans eventually gained the power to elect tribunes who represented them in government and could veto the actions of consuls and other leaders, protecting the interests of the common people (the "plebeians") whom they represented.

"Tribunis Plebis" was the Latin term for "Tribune of the people" (the plebs). "Concilium Plebis" was the Latin name for the Plebeian Council or assembly. There had been assemblies of the plebeians before plebeian unrest that reached a crisis stage in 494 BC. But after that date, plebeian assembly's actions, under the authority of the tribune of the people, carried more official authority. The creation of the office of tribune, to represent the people and offset the power of the consul, occurred after major conflict between the plebeians and the ruling class (the patricians) in 495-494 BC.