 Octavian wanted to solidify his status as master of the state , but avoid the fate of his adopted father . On January 13 of 27 BC , Octavian transferred control of the state back to the Senate and the People of Rome , but neither the Senate nor the People of Rome were willing to accept what was , in effect , Octavian 's resignation . Octavian was allowed to remain Roman Consul ( the chief @-@ executive under the old Republic ) , and was also allowed to retain his tribunician powers ( similar to those of the Plebeian Tribunes , or chief representatives of the people ) . This arrangement , in effect , functioned as a popular ratification of his position within the state . The Senate then granted Octavian a unique grade of Proconsular command power ( imperium ) which gave him the authority over all of Rome 's military governors , and thus , over the entire Roman army . Octavian was also granted the title of " Augustus " ( " venerable " ) and of Princeps ( " first citizen " ) . In 23 BC , Augustus ( as Octavian now called himself ) gave up his Consulship , and expanded both his Proconsular imperium and his tribunician powers . After these final reforms had been instituted , Augustus never again altered his constitution . Augustus ' final goal was to ensure an orderly succession . In 6 BC Augustus granted tribunician powers to his stepson Tiberius , and quickly recognized Tiberius as his heir . In 13 AD a law was passed which made Tiberius ' legal powers equivalent to , and independent from , those of Augustus . Within a year , Augustus was dead . 
