After the consulship had been opened to the plebeians, the plebeians were able to hold both the dictatorship and the censorship. Plebiscites of 342 BC placed limits on political offices; an individual could hold only one office at a time, and ten years must elapse between the end of his official term and his re-election. Further laws attempted to relieve the burden of debt from plebeians by banning interest on loans. In 337 BC, the first plebeian praetor was elected. During these years, the tribunes and the senators grew increasingly close. The senate realised the need to use plebeian officials to accomplish desired goals. To win over the tribunes, the senators gave the tribunes a great deal of power and the tribunes began to feel obligated to the senate. As the tribunes and the senators grew closer, plebeian senators were often able to secure the tribunate for members of their own families. In time, the tribunate became a stepping stone to higher office. COUNT 5
QSN1 What year were limits placed upon plebeians that prevented them from holding more than one office concurrently? ANS1 342 BC QSN2 What could no longer be associated with debt after laws were passed preventing it? ANS2 interest QSN3 What year saw the election of a plebeian to the office of praetor? ANS3 337 BC QSN4 How did senators attempt to gain the favor of the tribunes? ANS4 gave the tribunes a great deal of power QSN5 What was considered a pathway to holding a higher office? ANS5 the tribunate