Chapter V
Reading edition
THE ROMAN CONSTITUTION.
The Original Citizens—Comitia Calata—Comitia Curiata—Comitia Centuriata—Comitia Tributa—The Plebs—Great Patrician Families—The Aristocratic Structure of ancient Roman Society—The Dignity and Power of the Senate—The Knights—The Growth of the Democracy—Contests between Patricians and Plebeians—Rise of Tribunes—Popular Leaders— Their Laws—The Great Officers of State—Provincial Governors— Usurpations of fortunate Generals—The Revolution under Julius Caesar and Augustus—Imperial Despotism—Preservation of the Forms of the Republic, and utter Prostration of its Spirit