Roman Republic was a period of government in Rome from 509 BCE to 27 BCE. During this time, Rome was not ruled by a king. Instead, elected officials and the Senate made decisions.

Citizens could take part in assemblies where they voted on laws and leaders. One early set of laws, called the Twelve Tables, was written around 450 BCE and displayed publicly. The Republic expanded Rome’s territory across Italy and into other regions.

The Roman Republic is studied as an early example of representative government. It ended when leaders such as Julius Caesar and Augustus took control.