<P> Roman government in the early Republic was dominated by patricians , a wealthy , landowning minority who traced their ancestry to Rome 's foundation , and had overthrown its monarchy . They shared the former powers of the kings among themselves , in the form of annually elected magistracies , senior military posts , and influential priesthoods . Republican government was headed by two consuls , advised by a senate of magistrates and ex-magistrates . Social class and status determined a citizen 's voting rights , the value of his vote , and his lawful capacity for high civil , military and religious office ; a patrician 's vote far outweighed that of a citizen - commoner ( pleb ) ; this led to conflicts between the patrician minority and the far more numerous plebs . A series of constitutional reforms recognised wealthy , leading plebeian families as a legitimate aristocracy , and their most distinguished , reputable men as eligible for the highest elected offices . </P>
<P> Roman government in the early Republic was dominated by patricians , a wealthy , landowning minority who traced their ancestry to Rome 's foundation , and had overthrown its monarchy . They shared the former powers of the kings among themselves , in the form of annually elected magistracies , senior military posts , and influential priesthoods . Republican government was headed by two consuls , advised by a senate of magistrates and ex-magistrates . Social class and status determined a citizen 's voting rights , the value of his vote , and his lawful capacity for high civil , military and religious office ; a patrician 's vote far outweighed that of a citizen - commoner ( pleb ) ; this led to conflicts between the patrician minority and the far more numerous plebs . A series of constitutional reforms recognised wealthy , leading plebeian families as a legitimate aristocracy , and their most distinguished , reputable men as eligible for the highest elected offices . </P>
the highest officials in the government of the roman republic were
the highest officials in the government of the roman republic were
consuls
consuls