CHAPTER V.
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