CLA231H1 Lecture Notes - Demigod, Gaius Gracchus, Punic Wars
Document Summary
Populis politics- appealing to popular opinion and using it as a political tool, to upset normal political process. Citizens had right to vote but really elites organized it. Roman senators realized they could use populis politics to their advantage. E. g scipio aemilianus- adoptive grandson of scipio africanus. He was so popular that the people elected him consul in 147 although he didn"t qualify for office. It was opposed by everyone in senate but in the end they had to yield to public opinion. He was sent to carthage and ended the third punic war. In 142 he used popular support to win the office of censor, this was also against the wishes of the senate. In 134 he was consul for 2nd time, this was also un-constitutional, only allowed to hold it once, senate had to once again yield to public opinion. Senate no longer had firm grip on voting, legislation and policy.
