CLEP Western Civ I

Answer: A - After the absolute monarchy of Rome was overthrown in 509 BCE, the city became a republic. Common members of the public, who were known as plebeians, were allowed to participate in government, and the aristocracy, who were known as patricians, shared voting authority with them, though their relationship was not always peaceful (largely because the patricians had the greater share of power). At the origin of the Roman Republic, two consuls were at the head of the government, and they were supported by a senate.