By law, the Tribune was "sacrosanct," which meant that anyone who attacked them could be instantly punished, sometimes even by death (McManus 2). Ten Roman citizens held the position of Tribune (Dilke 41). .
The Magistracy was a very important position because of the abundance of responsibilities and powers. Of the Magistracy, the position of Consul was the most powerful, because there leaders presided over the Senate (Dilke 40). Another reason for the Consuls power was that they were usually allowed any powers that they needed by the Senate ("Rome" 2). Some other responsibilities of the Consul were to speak first in the Senate, sponsor legislation, and serve for the Emperor in his absence (Dilke 40). .
Although the office of Praetor was established to help the Consul, the Praetor had considerably less power than the consul. The basic responsibilities of the Praetors were to serve as judges (McManus 2). Along with there responsibilities, the powers of the Praetor were that of convening the Senate and serving as the Consul when they both were away (Patterson 8). Protecting the Plebeians from harmful actions of the other Magistrates was the main responsibility of the Tribunes (McManus 2). Also, the Tribune had one of the more important powers, the power to veto legislation (Patterson 9). Some other powers of the Tribune were to convene the Senate and Assemblies and to initiate legislation (McManus 2).
" Powerful is the army and powerful its Emperor, yet there is a body to which they both pay lip service, and which still enjoys a prestige and moral authority that stamps itself upon the imagination of every man in the Roman Empire" (Davis 334). This quote can only be interpreted as referring to one magnificent political body, the Roman Senate. Three to Six-Hundred Senators made up the Senate. The Senate was considered to be the most powerful part of the government (Davis 335). The relationship between the Senate and Emperor was in some ways like that of our present congress and President.