Governing Provinces

Question 1

What kind of government did Rome want to have?

Answer 1

Against big government - no bureaucracy; want communities to look after own local affairs
- Provincials don’t join army but pay taxes; don’t get too involved (just can’t cause trouble)

Question 2

What is the process of governing a province?

Answer 2

• Senate sends a commissioner (group of senators) and draw up the Law of Province (defines boundaries of province, makes list of communities within province)
• Governors can’t change Law of Province but can ask Senate for change
• Many governors didn’t know language/place –> lack of interest on Romans part; only want taxes

Question 3

What do governors do?

Answer 3

• Issue an edict at beginning of term (maximum interest rate allowed on loans, draws attention to particular problem)
• Imperium in province ; can order election on site
• Has quaestor assigned to him, but must find own legates; has domestic/transport people to escort him
• Governor travels, hearing death sentences, money, settle disputes between communities

Question 4

What resulted due to Rome’s lack of interest?

Answer 4

Governors were out of contact with Rome; could take up bribery, charge more
- Depended on Publicani (men who take on public contracts); would make tax-collecting contracts; highest bidder wins

Question 5

Describe the court

Answer 5

• After 149, provincials cold bring complaints to Rome about governor’s behavior; could be prosecuted after their term
• Court only meets in Rome, proceedings in Latin; senatorial advocates
• Cicero got famous when he holds trial against Verres (governor of Sicily)
• Prosecution is at the provincials’ expense